photo credit: Cara Totman

(she/her)

Kate Martel guides students toward easier embodiment using the lens of the Alexander Technique.

A lifelong dancer, Kate first encountered the Alexander Technique (AT) in a dance technique class in 2002. The spatial support and ease she experienced restored long-ignored parts of herself, leading her to develop body awareness in a more three-dimensional way. Repetitive stress injuries healed, and dancing became an exciting ride, where every movement felt expansive and rejuvenating at the same time.

After that first encounter, she continued to study the AT in private lessons and group settings, absorbing all she could as a young professional dancer. She found that this work supported her in performing choreography that was highly athletic and physically rigorous. The challenge of moving as easily and efficiently as possible while engaging with the demands of this work became part of the whole process. The AT provided grounding and ease before, during and after each rehearsal and performance. Eventually, she surrendered to the call and joined a training course, graduating from the Balance Arts Center in NYC in 2017, under the direction of Ann Rodiger. Kate also studied with Luc Vanier while pursuing her M.F.A. (2014) at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.

Today, Kate is still a dancer but after relocating to Western Mass, has enjoyed growing her family and stepping away from such rigorous performance work. The AT broadened her world and continues to be a bolster, assisting with navigating embodiment in everyday life. The creative process of this work allows for new choices in her movement patterning each day.

As an AT teacher, Kate has taught private lessons and group classes. She enjoys supporting students of all ages and has taught lessons and workshops for dancers, musicians, web developers, film producers, actors, adults ages 65+ and more. When she is not practicing the AT, she loves hikes in the woods with her husband and daughter.

Learn more about Kate at www.katemartel.com

Credentials:

1600 hr Alexander Technique Teacher Training (Balance Arts Center, NYC)
Professional Development Workshop Leader, AT for Music Teachers, Mt. Carmel Schools, 2023
Guest Artist, Alexander Technique, Ohio University, 2022
Part Time Lecturer, Alexander Technique for Actors, Westfield State University 2020
Articine Healthcare Resiliency Program Contributor, 2021 and 2022
Instructor, Alexander Technique for Dancers, School for Contemporary Dance and Thought, 2018-2020
Instructor, Breath and Balance, DOROT Generations Helping, Nonprofit for Ages 65+
MFA, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
BA, Goucher College
Member: American Society for the Alexander Technique
Current Faculty Member: School for Contemporary Dance and Thought, The Center Dance