Giora Pinkas

ART and CRAFT: a relationship

Do you sometimes feel apologetic for "only" teaching a TECHNIQUE? 
Do you wish that F.M  Alexander had chosen a more appropriate name?
If you do, you will be pleased to discover - as I did - that the origin of the  word "technique" is "techne" (Greek), meaning ART. The longer one is teaching the more one appreciates that our profession is indeed an art. CRAFT is the foundation and tools for ART - "craft"  in the sense of "skills or ability, especially in handwork or the arts." (Webster dictionary).
The great virtuosos of all branches of the arts are known to maintain their daily practice of the fundamentals. Honing the basic skills remains vital even to the most accomplished artists. This is true for musicians, dancers and writers and is equally true for us.

In this workshop we'll discuss the interplay between our craft and our art. Between repetition and creativity. The emphasis will  be on sharing of specific practical skills.

Teachers from different schools readily agree on the theory and principles, yet often find that exchanging work is problematic, mostly because of unfamiliar use of the hands and positions. My experience of working in schools of diverse origins shows me that these differences are superficial and can be made to melt away. When that happens it results in letting go of pre-conceived ideas about "the others" (what a relief!), in learning new skills and in creating harmonious relationships within the profession.
An informal discussion will be woven into the demonstrations and practice.
We'll use chair and table. Table work is a favorite of mine and an easy way to teach effective moves. In addition, feel free to bring musical instruments and other ideas for application.
* Stories, Alexander limericks (and general merriment) will be supplied.


Giora Pinkas was introduced to AT by S. Nelken in Israel in 1962.
Certified by P. Macdonald 1967.
1967 - present    Private practice in  London, Tel Aviv, San Francisco,
Walnut Creek and Berkeley.
1974 - 83 Co-established and directed, in San Francisco, the first 3-year
teacher-training course in the US.
1974 - 83 Member - Board of Directors ACAT-West, USA.
1983 - present Founder/director - The Alexander Educational Center training-course (now in Berkeley, California).
1987 - 90 Founder/ Co-director of training-course in Freiburg, Germany
1999 - 2005  Chair, Nominating Committee AmSAT.
1984 - present   Yearly guest-teaching and workshops in Basel, Freiburg, Vogesen, Hirschhorn, Bremen, Berlin, Vienna; 
Workshops in  London, Oxford, Galway, Hannover, Hamburg, Straßburg, Lousanne, Jerusalem, Boulder, Austin, Los Angeles, New York;
Tought in a pain-clinic, medical office and private elementary school in
California. Gave numerous lecture/demonstrations in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Presented workshops/talks  in the International AT congresses in
Jerusalem, Freiburg and Oxford.
Lectured and demonstrated in teaching hospitals and clinics in Heidelberg, Davis and San Francisco, California.