Ever wonder what separates good and great dancers? If you ask a competition judge or scrutineer, they will reply with one of two answers. This entry will break down one of these skills. The two attributes most often examined are footwork and posture. Yes, the headline did give it away!
Ever wonder what separates good and great dancers? If you ask a competition judge or scrutineer, they will reply with one of two answers. This entry will break down one of these skills. The two attributes most often examined are footwork and posture. Yes, the headline did give it away!
Now, it's time for a breakdown...
We're going to work from the bottom (Literally) up. The following list was devised when I was training to be a certified dance instructor. I knew that if I could create a one word list or association, it would be easier to remember. Personally, I cannot take credit for the first five on the list. The presentation may be unique to me, but that's all.
1 - Tuck
OK, it's time to tuck tail! That's right, tuck tail. We're talking tailbone here. Point it at your toes, or just think about tucking it under your spine.
2 - Suck
Now that you've tucked your tail let's run to the beach for part two. Fine, don't run. Picture yourself in a swim suit at the beach. Did subconsciencely flex your abs? Or puff up your chest? The image you are trying to portray is a thinner one and that's great! The second step is that simple. Suck in your belly, or pull your navel to your spine.
3 - Up
The imagery continues... Alright, you're a puppet (But not Pinnochio). The strings lift you "Up!" So straighten up and dance right. Familiar with Pilates? Pilates streches, movements and positions are structured to lengthen your body. Dancers want to create lines as long as possible, thus lengthening their core and limbs. Some coaches will describe this as opposing forces pulling your tailbone down and head/neck up. What it all comes down to is that your body looks and functions best when your "Spine is in line."
4 - Down
Still with me? Good. Here's the oxymoron. We want our torso stretched up, but our shoulders DOWN. This creates the appearance of a longer neck. The simplest way to find this position is to clasp your hands behind your back. Now press them downward to the floor (No ladies, this isn't for cheap thrills). Take notice as to were your shoulders are in relation your ribs and ears. So if you haven't already release your hands and let your arms simply hang without lifting your shoulders. Your shoulders should move slightly forward to a more natural position. That's it.
5 - Back
Continuing up, there's not much left. Take notice to your actions now. Stand up straight. What did you do? Did you do any of the first four keys? Most people don't. Generally we puff up our chest and lift our head or look up. If you walk in to just about any dance studio, you will here someone encouraging another to keep their head up or not look down. That's great advice! I'd like to offer it up a little defferent now.
Most people (Instructors included) look down at their feet when learning new steps or patterns. Why? This creates BAD HABITS! Your posture is definitely lacking and you could really be sending the wrong message to your partner. Think about it. What would you think if your partner was looking down "At their feet" while dancing with you? Ah hem. I bet your ego would get a pretty good boost or you would feel gross and objectified. Let's not go there. We can avoid the embarrassment by keeping our "Neck back" instead of head up. Your head should already be lifed from the puppet strings, so now all we have to do is move it back a little. Think about a collared shirt and try to touch the back collar with your neck. This will again keep your "Spine in line."
6 - Breathe
Let's review; tuck, suck, up... do it right now! Tuck. Suck. Up. Down. Back. Totally relaxed, right? I didn't think so. Most people are extremely stiff at this point and holding their breath on top of it! Relax. I mean it. That's the last step. Get into your "Perfect posture" again; tuck, suck, up, down, back. Now I want you to deflate like an air mattress or inflatable raft (But keep your spine in line). Were you able to hold on to your "Perfect posture?" If not, try it again. When successful, take a few steps or try moving through a dance pattern. If you can truly relax, you will be amazed at how easy it is to feel your partner's movements too!
Congratulations, you made it. For most people to achieve this "Perfect posture" in their dancing, they have to apply it in "Regular" life. Here are a couple more tips that may help you do just that.
Next time you get in your car to drive wait a minute and make a couple of adjustments first. While sitting in the driver's seat, assume your "Perfect posture." Tuck. Suck. Up. Down. Back. Breathe. Now while still in that position, reset your mirrors. If you do this you will constantly be reminded whenever you are driving your vehicle!
Have a computer at work or spend time at one when you're home? If you answered yes, try this. Take a seat as you normally do to "Compute." No take your "Perfect posture." Again; tuck, suck, up, down, back and breathe. Identify the height of your eyes when looking straight forward from this position. Now simply move your monitor to your line-of-sight.
Hopefully these keys help you to refine your posture (And confidence) if nothing else. Let me know if your dancing feels different (Preferably better). I'm pretty sure it will!
If you have any further questions link up with me on one of the following sites:
Judson has received over 100 million hits for his comedic routine (Posted Thursday, April 6, 2006)! Over 500,000 of them ranked the video and he's averaging over 4.5 stars (Out of five). View it below or jump to his original YouTube posting, Evolution of Dance. Almost three years after the original post, Judson has released a sophomore bid for the EVOLUTION OF YOU; Evolution of Dance 2!
Thursday, August 13, 2009 - 6 Keys to Perfect Posture
Subscribe to Posts
Ballroom Dance Channel
Twitter
