Lupita Nyong’o, Academy-award winning actress, speaks about the Alexander Technique being “instrumental to her as an actor (New York Times, Dec 2013 and Jan 2014).” Nyong’o studied the Alexander Technique at Yale School of Drama and only a year later was able to land her first feature film, 12 Years a Slave, for which she was recognized with an Oscar.
Actors have long used the Alexander Technique for poise and grace on stage and enhanced ability to take on different characters. Celebrities that have used the technique include Pierce Brosnan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Judi Dench, Richard Gere, Hugh Jackman, Madonna, Keanu Reeves, Sting, and Robin Williams (“Strike a Pose,” OK! Magazine, Mar 2013).
As Director Steve McQueen said, “There is only one word that can actually describe Lupita, [which] is Grace.” Watch this New York Times interview with Lupita Nyong’o. As you watch, consider the way Lupita’s posture looks effortless, and how such poise could contribute to success in any sector.
