It is a synthesis of Ruth's unique confluence of training, pedagogy, and performance experience to create a simple, holistic approach to the optimal performing body. Her techniques helps people optimize their performance: whether that performance happens on stage, in the workplace, or at an athletic event.

Truly, this work is beneficial for anyone who moves and breathes, but it is especially beneficial for any performer and anyone who works with performers: whether on stage, in a studio, in an athletic event, or in a corporate settting. Anyone looking for more power, ease, and consistency in their performance will find this work of great beneift. 

Perhaps you are a young performer, still developing your technique and frustrated by your inability to produce consistently Or, perhaps you are a little further along, but your public performance doesn’t always match the results you see in practice--under pressure you donʼt feel the same ease and strength. Or, you may already be an accomplished professional, looking for more consistency and polish. Wherever you are, Hennessy Breath and BodyWork^TM can help you optimize your performance.

Perhaps you are already studying yoga, Pilates, the Alexander Technique, or another bodywork approach, with the hope of “getting more into your body.” All of those disciplines are beneficial. The difference is that Hennessy Breath & BodyWork^TM goes a step further and shows you how to apply that bodywork directly to performance.

Many people have difficulty integrating their bodywork with their performance, and they end up settling for very small improvement when dramatic improvement is possible. With Hennessy Breath and BodyWork^TM you experience precisely which body changes translate into the performance changes you desire, giving you not only dramatic results but also the knowledge of how to reproduce those results on your own.

Many performers are holding the body in unconscious, habitual patterns of unhelpful tension. In those cases, no matter how clear the mental understanding of vocal technique, the body is actually unable to respond. While the visible tension may be obvious, that tension is ofen just the tip of the iceberg. Hennessy Breath & BodyWork^TM teaches you to recognize the underlying patterns and release tension at the source, instead of only addressing the symptoms. 

An overly tense body is like a clarinet with a sock stuck inside. We tend to blow harder and harder to get the sound out, never realizing we just need to remove the sock! The easy-to-do physical exercises of Hennessy Breath and BodyWork^TM show you how to remove the sock, by releasing the misplaced tension in those overworking muscles and engaging more deeply, employing your whole body.

Sometimes people are skeptical that such a physical approach could be communicated through a Skype or FaceTime lesson, but the results are undeniable. Ruth can easily see—and hear—how your physical habits are affecting your performance. Long ago, before the internet, Ruth often gave lessons over the telephone. It's wonderful that she can see you now via Skype or FaceTime, but she can actually tell what your body is doing just from the sound you are making! Her explanations and instructions are so clear, and so precise, you never have trouble understanding what your body is supposed to be doing, and your progress will be much faster than you imagine.

Here's a typical testimonial regarding Skype sessions:

"Ruth Hennessy's physical approach works perfectly through Skype sessions. Her method gets fast results, and you don't need to be in the same room. In every Skype session, Ruth is able to pinpoint my problems and assign exercises that target my problem spots precisely. As a result, on my own, I get twice the results in half the practice time. When I have a busy week and don’t get to practice as much as I would like to (or not at all), my progress doesn't suffer. Before Ruth, if I had a week when I was tight and out of alignment, I would experience a big setback, and my lesson that week would be a disappointment. Now--because I'm doing exactly the right exercises--investing just five minutes a day keeps my vocal apparatus relaxed and my progress on track. I love working with Ruth. I have never been happier with vocal training. I highly recommend Skype or FaceTime sessions with Ruth."  -- Claudia Woerheide, Chicago Bach Ensemble

1. FOR VOCALISTS (singers, actors, voice teachers, coaches, conductors, stage directors, public speakers, classroom teachers):

• One excellent way to begin is with the STARTER KIT found on the Vocal "Boot Camp" page. This package gives you everything you need to get off to your best start:
• the first 6 videos in the Boot Camp series, plus
• a personal Skype session with Ruth and
• an accessories package.
• Or,  purchase the entire Vocal "Boot Camp," with or without Skype sessions with Ruth. 
• Or, you could simply begin with a Skype session with Ruth to assess precisely where you are. Then, Ruth can recommend the best way for you to proceed.
• Another way to acquaint yourself with this work is with a subscription to Ruth's Monthly BodyWorkShop©.

2. FOR INSTRUMENTALISTS:

• First of all, be sure to check out the video at the top of this page (BodyWorkShop© with Ruth for Your School or Studio) to see how effective this work is, even for a percussionist!
• An excellent start would be a Skype session with Ruth, so that she can assess your individual needs and create a plan for you.
• The Boot Camp is also a good choice. While some of the videos do include vocalizations, ALL the release, alignment, and breathing exercises apply to instrumentalists--even if you don't play a wind instrument. 
• Another good choice is to join the Monthly BodyWorkShop© with a subscription. 

3. IN A CORPORATE SETTING

• Contact Ruth directly to arrange a BodyWorkShop© specific to the needs and budget of your office or organization. 
• Lower back pain is the number two cause of absenteeism, second only to the common cold! Ruth's BodyWorkShops© provide a welcoming environment to address improve both physical habits and mental focus. 

4. FOR ATHLETES:

• An excellent start would be a Skype session with Ruth, so that she can assess your individual needs and create a plan for you.
• The Boot Camp is also a good choice. While some of the videos do include vocalizations, ALL the release, alignment, and breathing exercises apply to athletes. 
• Another good choice is to join the Monthly BodyWorkShop© with a subscription.