Feldenkrais Method Directory
Find certified Feldenkrais practitioners who specialize in movement re-education for performers
Overview
The Feldenkrais Method Directory connects actors with certified practitioners of the Feldenkrais Method, a somatic approach to movement that emphasizes awareness, efficiency, and ease. Like Alexander Technique, it is widely used in performing arts training to help actors move more freely and expressively.
Feldenkrais work comes in two forms: group classes called Awareness Through Movement and individual sessions called Functional Integration. Both use gentle, exploratory movements to help you discover new patterns and release habitual restrictions.
How It Works
The directory allows you to search by location and specialization, with filters for practitioners experienced in working with actors, dancers, and musicians. Many practitioners offer introductory workshops that give you a taste of the method before committing to regular sessions.
The directory itself is free to use. Individual sessions typically cost $60 to $130, while group classes range from $15 to $30 per session. Some practitioners offer sliding-scale pricing for artists.
Who Uses It
Feldenkrais work is especially valuable for actors recovering from injuries or those who feel physically stuck in their movement vocabulary. The method's emphasis on curiosity and exploration translates directly into more dynamic character physicality. Many actors find that Feldenkrais opens up movement possibilities they did not know existed, because the method works by expanding your nervous system's repertoire of movement options rather than forcing your body into predetermined positions. The approach is particularly beneficial for actors who have developed compensatory movement patterns from years of physical habits or previous injuries.
Pricing & Plans
The Feldenkrais Method Directory is free to use with no registration or fees required. Individual Functional Integration sessions typically cost $60 to $130, with most practitioners in major markets charging $80-110 for a 45-60 minute session. Group Awareness Through Movement classes are significantly more affordable at $15-30 per session, making them an excellent entry point for actors on a budget who want to experience the method before investing in private work. Many practitioners offer introductory packages of 3-5 sessions at a discounted rate, typically saving 15-20% compared to single-session pricing. Some practitioners explicitly offer sliding-scale pricing for artists and performers, so it is always worth asking about this option when you first contact a practitioner. Compared to other somatic methods, Feldenkrais sits in a moderate price range, generally less expensive than Rolfing or craniosacral therapy while offering a similar depth of body-awareness work. For actors with health insurance, Feldenkrais sessions may be covered under physical therapy or complementary care benefits if prescribed by a physician.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Feldenkrais offers two distinct formats, group and individual, which gives you flexibility in how you engage with the method based on your budget and learning preferences. The method is remarkably gentle and accessible, making it appropriate for actors of any age, fitness level, or physical condition, including those recovering from injuries who cannot tolerate more demanding approaches. Awareness Through Movement group classes can be done at home using recorded lessons, which means you can continue your practice during travel, on location, or between sessions without additional cost. The exploratory, non-judgmental approach aligns naturally with acting principles, as the method encourages you to notice sensations and possibilities rather than forcing yourself into a correct form. Practitioners who specialize in working with performers understand how to connect the somatic work directly to acting challenges like character physicality, stage presence, and vocal production. The neuroplasticity-based approach produces changes that feel organic and integrated rather than imposed, which means the improvements in your movement quality show up naturally in performance rather than looking effortful or studied.
What Could Be Better
Feldenkrais work can feel frustratingly slow and subtle, especially for actors accustomed to more vigorous physical training, and the results may not be apparent until weeks or months into consistent practice. The method does not build strength, cardiovascular fitness, or the kind of physical conditioning required for action roles, so it must be combined with other training modalities for actors who need to meet specific physical demands. Finding a practitioner with genuine performing arts experience can be challenging outside of major entertainment hubs, and a practitioner without this background may not know how to connect the somatic work to your specific needs as an actor. Group Awareness Through Movement classes vary enormously in quality depending on the teacher, and a poor experience in a group class may not accurately represent what the method can offer in a private setting. The theoretical framework can feel overly intellectual or abstract, with practitioners sometimes explaining concepts in ways that are confusing rather than clarifying for people who are not already familiar with somatic terminology. Some actors report that the deep relaxation and awareness states reached during Feldenkrais sessions can temporarily make them feel spacey or ungrounded, which is counterproductive if you have an audition or performance immediately afterward.
Our Recommendation
Feldenkrais is particularly recommended for actors who feel physically limited, whether from injury, aging, repetitive movement habits, or simply a sense of being stuck in their body. If you notice that all your characters tend to move the same way despite your efforts to differentiate them, Feldenkrais work can expand your physical vocabulary in surprising and organic ways. Actors dealing with chronic pain or recovering from injuries will find the gentle, non-forceful approach safer and often more effective than aggressive physical therapy or stretching routines. However, if your immediate need is building muscle, losing weight, or improving cardiovascular fitness for an upcoming role, Feldenkrais is not the right tool and you should prioritize conventional fitness training. Start with group Awareness Through Movement classes to experience the method affordably before deciding whether to invest in private Functional Integration sessions, which are where the most personalized and transformative work happens. Actors who have tried Alexander Technique and found it too passive may prefer Feldenkrais for its more active, movement-based approach, while those who found Alexander too structured may appreciate Feldenkrais's emphasis on open-ended exploration.
Pro Tips
Try at least three group Awareness Through Movement classes before forming an opinion about the method, as a single class may not be representative and the cumulative effect of multiple sessions is significantly greater than any individual experience. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to sessions and avoid eating a heavy meal beforehand, as the work involves lying on the floor and moving gently in ways that are uncomfortable on a full stomach. After each session, take 5-10 minutes to walk around and notice how your body feels different before rushing to your next appointment, as this integration time is when the lessons consolidate. Keep a brief journal noting physical sensations, movement discoveries, and any changes you notice in your daily activities or performance work after each session, as the effects can be subtle and easy to overlook without written records. Ask your practitioner to teach you two or three short self-care movement sequences you can practice at home for 10-15 minutes daily, as consistent home practice dramatically accelerates the benefits of the method. Schedule Feldenkrais sessions on days when you do not have performances or intense rehearsals immediately afterward, giving your nervous system time to integrate the new movement patterns before you put demands on your body.