JESSICA WOLF:  

THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE &

THE ART OF BREATHING

About Jessica Wolf

In 1977 I completed my training as an Alexander Teacher at the American Center for the Alexander Technique (ACAT) in New York City, and I have maintained a private teaching practice nationally and internationally for over thirty years.  I am an original member of The American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT).

After my graduation from ACAT, I continued to study in Great Britain’s training programs, where Alexander first promoted his work. I also began a twenty year association with Carl Stough, a man who dedicated his career to the innovative research and discoveries in respiratory science. I am one of eleven practitioners who were given permission to teach the principles of breathing coordination. In 1981, I completed my training at the Laban Institute of Movement Studies with Irmgard Barteniefff and became a Certified Movement Analyst.

Now, many years later, I have created a body of work called The Art of Breathing.  This is the phrase that F. M. Alexander used to promote his work as a specialist in respiration, which was the original cornerstone of his teaching.  I’ve resurrected the phrase to identify my work, which simultaneously explores the principles of the Alexander Technique and individual breathing coordination.  In 2002, I founded a post-graduate training program of the same name, which I have directed for nearly 10 years.  During that time 46 Alexander teachers have trained in my method and I continue to travel extensively to training schools throughout the country introducing my work to other Alexander teachers.

In 1998, I joined the faculty of Yale School of Drama.  I am an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Alexander Program for the graduate acting students.  I am responsible for creating the Alexander Technique program at Colorado’s Aspen Music Festival.  I have served on the faculties of The Juilliard School, SUNY Purchase, Circle in the Square Theatre School, Hunter College and Sarah Lawrence College as well as at the Verbier Music Festival. I’ve coached actors on and off Broadway in plays such as Sideman, The Syringa Tree, and The Light in the Piazza.

Since 1978, my private practice has included students from all walks of life: performance artists; people with respiratory disease, asthma, allergies, emphysema, and voice problems; people dealing with back pain, headaches, and arthritis; and those dealing with tension and fatigue resulting from the everyday stresses of life.