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Julia Gilroy - Teacher of the Alexander Technique & LearningMethods™
I began dancing at an early age and trained intensely from the age of 11 at pre-professional dance schools until the age of 18. My training was typically both physically and mentally challenging and one that left me lacking self confidence and with an abundance of muscular tension. There is no doubt it impaired my career choices as well as my daily life. For example, I believe it was a factor in the ceasarian birth of my daughter.
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However, this experience generated my curiosity in body mechanics and pedagogy. Introduced to the Alexander Technique during my studies at the University of Surrey, it wasn’t until I’d moved to France when I took regular classes. After using this technique to successfully complete long dance tours and overcome a tendinitis injury I realised how invaluable this information was, not only for dancers but the general public. I signed up to the training course graduating in 1999.
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One of the visiting teachers to the course was called David Gorman. I was immediately intrigued by his alternative approach to teaching and his unique insights into the structure and function of humans. He was developing his method called LearningMethods™ which evolved from his own teachings in the Alexander Technique. It was an amazing learning curve and helped to clarify some of the issues I had experienced as a dancer, such as the dangers of wanting to be perfect and of trying to please other people, frustration of under achieving – a common characteristic of Artists. Through Gorman’s work I came to understand more clearly the theatrical trappings of stage fright, anorexia and nervous breakdowns that I’d witnessed my friends struggle with.
His teaching was groundbreaking and at the forefront of scientific innovation. I studied with him as an apprentice for several years before certifying as a LearningMethods teacher in 2007.
Needless to say my work is inspired by both the Alexander Technique and LearningMethods™ work.
I am currently teaching at MBS Academie in Mougins and at the Pole Santé in PSND. This is my fourth year as a member of the ADMR committee. (Association of dance and medical research) and I'm a longstanding member of ATI France and ATI. (Alexander Technique International)
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Julia Gilroy- Dance
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I began dancing at an early age and trained intensely from the age of 11 at pre-professional dance schools until the age of 18.
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My training was typically tough physically and mentally and one that left me lacking self confidence and unable to assess my actual level of performance. This no doubt generated my curiosity in pedagogical techniques and how they affected the well-being of student dancers. Dancing in both classical and contemporary companies in UK, Germany and France I understand the rigours of the profession.
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Eager to broaden my horizens I studied at the University of Surrey 1984 -87 which was the first U.K. university to offer a full degree course in dance. There was also an opportunity to teach community dance classes on and off campus which was most instructive and fun. After Surrey I taught dance for the LEA (London Education Authority) Pineapple Studios, various private schools as well as for educational projects attached to Adventures in Motion Pictures company . (now called New Adventures directed by Matthew Bourne) This was invaluable experience.
After moving to France I taught English as a certified TOEFL teacher. The Alexander Technique and LearningMethods™ work also contributed to crafting my pedagogical approach and style. After gaining a ‘dispense’ to teach contemporary dance in 1994 I taught in primary and secondary schools and at the local cultural centre. Following a refresher course at the PNSD (Pôle National Supérieur de Danse) I received my D.E. (Diplôme d'état) at the CND (Centre National de Danse) in Paris.
Committed to continuing my professional develpment I regularly participate in workshops and conferences around the world.
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