STARS like Madonna, Sting and Hilary Swank seem to ooze a natural A-list poise and elegance.

But it might have less to do with their X-factor and more to do with the fact they’ve had lessons in the Alexander Technique.

For they are among a number of world famous names who, it is claimed, have used the technique to improve their performance on stage and screen.

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Kline revealed that learning the Alexander Technique has some surprising advantages.

“Its many obvious benefits include minimised tension, centredness, vocal relaxation and responsiveness and I also gained an extra inch and a half of height too!”

Bafta winner John Hurt reveals that his Alexander Technique sessions were the secret to his acting success.

“It has helped me to undo knots, unlock energy and deal with almost paralysing stage fright.”

Many renowned performing schools including the Royal College of Music, Rada, and Lamda teach the technique as part of their curriculum.

Alexander Technique teacher Cathy Stevens, works with everyone from office workers to actors and athletes at her home in Parkstone, Poole.

“When you are tense it often leads to stiffness of the body and shortness of breath which can then affect your speech and performance,” she explains.

“The Alexander Technique is all about helping people attain their natural poise and elegance.

“With one to one lessons pupils can learn to move more gracefully, breathe and speak more easily and be calm and confident.”

The Alexander Technique is a practical method of health education that teaches people to become aware of how they use their minds and bodies.

Cathy who plays the viola in a local orchestra, knows only too well what it’s like to suffer with stage fright.

“I was sent to a specialist music school at a young age but being a very sensitive child I didn’t like being in such a competitive environment. I became very tense and worried and my posture became very rounded and hunched and it affected my ability to perform in front of an audience.

“I used to get pain in my back and shoulders and then I started to feel very depressed,” she explains.

“I was 23 when I first tried the Alexander Technique and after my first lesson it was like a light had been switched on. Six months later my depression had completely lifted.”

Cathy was so impressed that she decided she wanted to teach the Alexander technique too.

Through explanation and a gentle guiding touch, Cathy helps you to identify and prevent harmful postural habits that may be the cause of stress and pain.

“It’s a way of becoming in tune with your body so you become aware of and then gradually change those unconscious habits which interfere with our natural freedom of movement.”

The Alexander Technique can also be used to improve performance and prevent injury in music, drama and sport, enhance business and presentation skills and even support pregnancy and childbirth.

FM Alexander, an Australian actor, developed the technique over 100 years ago as a way of solving a persistent vocal problem.

His technique has helped not only performing artists but anyone with physical, mental or emotional conditions resulting from ingrained habits.

Cathy adds: “It is suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical fitness. There are no set exercises or special equipment required and it can be practised wherever you are.

“Each session is tailored to suit the individual to help them learn to release tension and rediscover balance of mind and body.”

Cathy is a member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (Stat). For more information visit stat.org.uk.