AT gave me a greater sense of agency and embodiment
About Kari
Kari Ostensen is an AmSAT certified Alexander Technique Teacher and an independent movement artist based in New Haven and New York City. Their teaching explores choice, agency, habits, spatial thinking, and mind-body connections. Kari is particularly interested in working with performers, queer and trans students, and students with hypermobility, EDS, or other chronic conditions. As someone living with chronic illness, they prioritize dialogue, consent, and an anti-ableist framework in all of their teaching and performance work.
My story
As a young dancer, I was constantly injured and suffering from chronic pain. For years, I wore two knee braces while dancing and was holding myself together with a combination of ice packs, kinesiology tape, and self massage. None of my doctors or teachers had any answers for me.
While studying dance at Bennington College, I stumbled upon the Alexander Technique and was encouraged to intern at the Balance Arts Center in NYC. In my internship, I got to be a practice student in the Teacher Training Course every day for 6 weeks. One day in the middle of class, I realized for the first time in years that I had no pain. I went from being in constant pain, to having moments of total pain relief. After my internship, I knew that I needed to do the full training to become an Alexander Technique Teacher. This work was deeply transformational and I wanted more of it.
Throughout my 1600 hour teacher training, I realized that I am hypermobile and finally had an answer for my chronic pain and injuries, as well as all of my other symptoms related to my hypermobility. In this realization, I was able to use this work to find a greater sense of agency over my body and a deeper understanding of my symptoms and their triggers.
Now as an Alexander Technique Teacher, I approach this work from an anti-ableist perspective looking to help students find relief and ease of movement no matter their ability.
My offerings
In Person Private Lessons
50 mins | $100
Sliding scale options available
Lesson packages also available
Online Private Lessons
30 mins | $50
Group Classes
I currently teach group classes with rotating faculty through Movement Research and the Balance Arts Center.
90-105 mins | Pricing depends on class location
In-person and remote options
I am currently teaching private lessons at the Balance Arts Center in Midtown, Manhattan as well as teaching remote lessons online.
Private lessons in New Haven, CT are coming soon!