Alexander Technique, Gender, and Embodied Empowerment
The ASO Newsletter - 52nd edition
Working together to enable greater understanding of the Alexander Technique through disciplined inquiry.
Introduction
In this episode, ASO team member Erica Donnison continues our exploration of psychological and non-physical outcomes of the Alexander Technique, outlined in the realist review by Debbie Kinsey and Lesley Glover, “How does the Alexander Technique lead to psychological and non-physical outcomes?” (see Episode 19).
Erica speaks with Alexander Technique teacher Abi Wright, founder of She Stands—a project focused on empowering girls and women to take up space, challenge gendered norms through the lens of posture, and foster embodied confidence. While not a formal Alexander Technique program, the work is deeply informed by AT and grounded in Abi’s experience as a teacher.
Their conversation explores how cultural expectations shape psycho-physical habits, how Abi approaches group-based experiences to support change, and how Alexander Technique principles may be meaningfully applied beyond traditional lesson settings. The interview also considers how projects like She Stands may serve as an entry point to further Alexander Technique learning—introducing participants to fundamental ideas, with some going on to seek out teachers and individual lessons to support their continued personal and professional growth.
About
Abi Wright is an AT teacher who founded She Stands in 2017 in the hopes of creating a world where girls and women never have to apologise for taking up space. Understanding there was still so much to be done to create an equal society she founded Festival of The Girl in 2019 which is reaching girls all over the UK and the world, and creating a lasting impact by inspiring future leaders in all sectors, industries, and endeavours. Abi lives in London with her partner and two daughters.
Erica Donnison is part of the ASO team.
Thank You
Thank you to Abi Wright for her time and generous contribution to this post. To our community, your participation matters—you can support our work by subscribing, sharing this post, commenting below, or emailing us. Thank you, and we’d love to hear from you!