Glenna Batson Memorial

Since certifying in the Alexander Technique in 1989, I have advocated for this work by teaching in training schools in over 13 countries worldwide. In 2015, I co-directed the 10th World Congress for the Alexander Technique at the University of Limerick in 2015. I currently co-direct the Alexander Technique Centre in Galway Ireland.

For twenty-two years, I was a professor of physical therapy (Masters and Doctor of Science) for the North Carolina State University system. I pioneered research in integrative medicine, studying the effects of different complementary approaches: and balance and coordination, including the Alexander Technique, the Feldenkrais Method® and motor imagery for the community elderly and elite dancers, as well as improvisational dance for those living with Parkinson’s disease.

I have danced all my life – modern, ballet, improvisation, ethnic dance and ballroom. For the last decade I have co-created a process in artmaking called human origami, or, The Fold as Somatic/Artistic Practice, with colleague dance and multi-media artist Susan Sentler. Together, we offer workshops globally and have a book in progress: Embodied Processes in Art Making: The Fold, due out 2023 (Intellect Press).

Behind me lies the intricate pathway, carved: over five decades of passionate pursuit in the art and science of movement. Having bridged between mind-body arts and science, I help make the work understandable, practical and doable. My life as a movement artist and educator deeply influences my teaching. I source from everywhere to help clients become owners and agents of their own body wisdom. At 74 years young, I remain passionate and curious about how people move. I intend this last bloom in life to be the brightest.

Glenna Batson Memorial Guestbook

Sadly Glenna recently passed away.

Please leave your thoughts and memories below

8 entries.

Judith A. Saxton from WINSTON SALEM wrote on November 19, 2025 at 7:38 am

When I first heard the news that Glenna has danced her way out of this sphere and into the next, where pain and sickness are replaced full-time with joie-de-vivre and love, I recognized that she is returning to her native language and home. Her lived example leads us into more of that — here and now.
Determinedly unbound by others' conventions, and allowing inquiry to lead her perpetual, spirited curiosity, Glenna's conviction of embracing life whole-heartedly – the bad with the good – is also a present-time potent reminder and gift for us all.

In my training, Glenna was an inspiring example of someone who distilled her wide-ranging experiences into a no-nonsense clarity. I was encouraged that she made no apologies for who she was – she spoke with a strong, clear voice, and moved at a speed I could relate to – embodying a different sort of approach than many, and offering me hope that I need not entirely re-make myself in order to do this work. Her example emboldened me to recognize that there is room for exuberance and enthusiasm when tempered with authentic witness to a student's full self, and staying true to my whole, unique self can effectively offer a deep sense of permission for other's authentic, unique selves to emerge in a lesson. Much love for all that you embodied for us, Glenna!

Jennifer Roig-Francolí from Cincinnati wrote on October 25, 2025 at 8:00 am

I didn't know Glenna well, but here are a few words that come to mind when I think of her. This is how she will always remain in my memory:
Enthusiastic, kind, light and bright, generous, open, curious, capable, intelligent, lively and warm.
I felt her engage fully and I know she has had a powerful and beautiful impact on many lives.
May her soul rest in peace and joy!

Idelle Packer from Asheville wrote on September 27, 2025 at 10:44 pm

Glenna, dearest friend, mentor, teacher,

We have had quite a rich time together, humbly exercising each week – dance improvisation first, then a ballet bar on a foam roll, Ha!, we didn't make things easy, did we? And so detailed and exacting, nothing could be performed too slowly. Every week we put our bodies through our routines until we groaned, sighed, and heaped praise upon ourselves for getting through another hour.

I'll never forget the time we performed together on your program of dance and spirituality that remains an inspiration to this day. I carry you with me, dear Glenna, your presence courses through my veins, my thinking brain, my heart. I walk in your rich Somatic footsteps, working to create embodied teachings for others, always with you whispering in my ears the next rich image to verbalize and enhance the moment for myself and my students.

I miss you, dear one. I had so much more to learn from you. I'll find those lessons in the prolific writings in papers and books and in the recordings you left in this physical world for us before you parted.

Brilliant one, I think of you in the arms of the angels, beyond sensation and awareness to the realm I imagine is the most embodied wow of all, the realm of peace and non-doing. May you rest in the great light you created for yourself through kindnesses beyond measure.

with love and devotion,
your friend and colleague and always your student,
Idelle

Barbara Hudson from Daphne, Alabama wrote on September 16, 2025 at 9:46 am

Glenna, thank you so much for your lovely spirit and for all the patient answers to the many questions I asked you all those years at Sweetbriar and at the Alexander Alliance in Philadelphia. Your kindness and intellect in sharing the work with all of us was extraordinary, and we miss you greatly. I remember fondly all the times you shared your gifts with us at the Saturday performances and performance classes we had at Sweetbriar. Your humor was a gift to all of us. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us. Your legacy will live on! Barbara Hudson

Meredith McIntosh from Asheville wrote on September 8, 2025 at 5:07 am

Oh Glenna, dear Glenna….your presence is with me these days. Yes, I wore a funny hat all day yesterday and when friends asked me about it I said my friend Glenna asked for it!
I fold over and into myself in tears and grief…and pick wild flowers all in one same big moment.
I put your name with a heart on my tiny altar before which me alone bows. You join so many friends who have gone and are at the ready to catch you!
You dear Glenna have arrived…wherever/whoever/whatever and ever and ever….
with a wink, an elbow nudge and endless love….Meredith

Corinne Elisabeth Cassini from BOONE wrote on September 6, 2025 at 10:55 am

Glenna made her first impression on me at the Congress in Limerick and I had several chances of learning from and working with her as part of the Alexander Technique Community here in North Carolina.

Her approach is unique and she was full of clarity, curiosity, and enthusiasm. I miss her dearly!

A beautiful video of an interview with her is available:
https://www.movingthrough.live/glenna

Meade Andrews from Skillman, New Jersey wrote on September 4, 2025 at 1:37 pm

Glenna Batson and I have been friends for 40+ years. We both trained to become Alexander Technique teachers at the Alexander Training School in Philadelphia in the 1970's and taught together in various workshops and courses, including AT summer courses at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. Glenna is a superb teacher and coordinator of many Alexander Technique events, and is a beloved guide for numerous students in training to become teachers. She is deeply knowledgeable
about the anatomy of the body and the exciting possibilities of creativity based on the discoveries of FM Alexander, and Moishe Feldenkrais.

Pieter Hartsook from Walnut Creek wrote on September 2, 2025 at 9:45 pm

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Alexander Teachers of the Mountain Region

Glenna Batson Memorial

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