Kirstie Richardson currently runs her Alexander Technique practice from home in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. She is also a qualified 'Soul Midwife', which offers a holistic approach to working with individuals and families at end of life. She has a degree in dance studies from Middlesex University and a Cert.Ed. from Greenwich University. Kirstie began her dance training at London Contemporary Dance School and many years later studied with Helen Poyner for three years working with non-stylised movement and dance in the environment. Kirstie's work is deeply informed by the Alexander Technique, Skinner Releasing Technique and the work of Anna Halprin who she was lucky enough to meet in 2014. Her 30 year career as a professional dancer gave her the opportunity to perform all over the world working for companies such as Bill T. Jones and Gaby Agis and touring with pop bands such as Bros and Pepsi and Shirlie.
Kirstie has taught for leading schools and companies such as English National Ballet, Richard Alston Dance Company, Laban, The Circus Space, CandoCo Dance Company, Coventry University, London Metropolitan University and East 15 Acting School. She also taught BTEC Dance for 6 years at South East Essex College, Hackney Community College and Stanmore College.
Kirstie’s passion for dance in health settings was realised in 2002 when she began to work for Breathing Space and the Dance Art Foundation. Since then Kirstie has taught in a range of health settings such as Hospices UK, Little Havens Children's Hospice, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Royal London Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital integrating her movement with Alexander Technique practices. She currently has regular work with the elderly and those living with dementia in South Essex and freelances with Entelechy Arts in London.
As well as running a busy Alexander Technique practice from home Kirstie is also a member of staff for the Alexander Technique teacher training programme at the East Anglia Centre for Alexander Technique.
“Kirstie has over 30 years of movement and somatic information that she brings to her Alexander sessions. Her highly intelligent and sensitive approach meant I could let go and trust her touch and facilitation. There is a level of depth and experience rare to find. I was deeply moved, her guidance and work helped me to make connections through my body, releasing holding patterns and bringing more freedom through my shoulders and neck."
Florence Peake - Choreographer & Artist
