The London Lounge

As we all know there is more to elegance than well-fitting clothes. Leaving aside the old subject of "manners", I think that posture, moving and the way of walking are very important, definitely much more important than a body moulded at the gym. But what is good posture? Could someone shed some light on that?

I've found this picture of Frederick Matthias Alexander, who is the father of the Alexander Tecnique, which is way to improve posture (from what I understand). I like his way of walking. It reminds of Madrid when people "dan un paseo" at night:

Are they sandals that he is wearing?

Great subject, Gruto! There is a thread entitled "bearing" (these are the times when I wish my iPhone had a copy&paste function). I agree posture is an essential ingredient of elegance.

pvpatty wrote:Are they sandals that he is wearing?

They look a bit spectator like, but I think they are sandals.

Costi wrote:Great subject, Gruto! There is a thread entitled "bearing" (these are the times when I wish my iPhone had a copy&paste function). I agree posture is an essential ingredient of elegance.

I got it, Costi, very good:
http://thelondonlounge.net/gl/forum/vie ... ng&start=0

Still, I'd like to hear some tricks on how to move with elegance. I remember Alden writing that lifting one's chin is important ...

pvpatty wrote:Are they sandals that he is wearing?

Surely nothing wrong with sandals - I am wearing a pair made for me in Islamabad in 1998 (never needed repair yet) - but the socks are a little scary - however he does look as though he moves well. Is there another ingredient besides posture - poise? - NOT pose?
NJS

I am fairly sure that this is a picture of F.M. relaxing in his garden at his country home at Penhill House, Sidcup and that what we are seeing here is his version of 'dress down'. I would hesitate to question his footwear when some of us, in a similar context, would be clad in little more than our chuddies (I need mention no names!).

As to the Alexander Technique, I suggest taking some lessons.

Azdak wrote:I am fairly sure that this is a picture of F.M. relaxing in his garden at his country home at Penhill House, Sidcup and that what we are seeing here is his version of 'dress down'. I would hesitate to question his footwear when some of us, in a similar context, would be clad in little more than our chuddies (I need mention no names!).

As to the Alexander Technique, I suggest taking some lessons.

Actually, the photo was, I think, taken in US:

http://www.alexandertechnique.com/photos/

Here is a link to "self-help" Alexander techniques:

http://www.alexandertechnique.com/onyourown.htm

Excellent information gentleman. Movement has been said to be a cloth woven of attention, intention and commitment. Sean Connery and other actors have studied with a teacher who taught the "Psychology of Movement" that started with Rudolph Laban's system. Years of bodywork can bring about more self-awareness and change. Mr.Connery attributes his physical confidence to Yat Malmagen, who had worked with Laban. Connery has said "I won't even take a role until after I work out the body techniques."

Feldenkrais, Rolfing (Structural Integration) and off-shoots are other approaches to releasing the body from habits that are inefficient and not graceful. I found this site from the Alexander links above: http://posturereleaseimagery.org/ that touches in on the roots of the naturalness of Fred Astaire's undulating movements.

Inside out or outside in? I've always liked this quote from Novalis: "The soul is where the inside and outside worlds meet."

An exercise in posture and elegance according to Prof. Brummell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CAxG5_C ... re=related

M.