Posture
Essential to comfortable and effective dancing is good posture, achieved through the proper alignment of the various body parts in correct relative position with one
another. The various body parts, including the head, chest/torso, pelvis/hips, legs, and feet, are properly aligned when they are
placed directly on top of one another in a natural and upright manner.
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Head
The head should be held upright with the chin parallel to the floor. The neck should
stretch upward, but be careful not to lengthen any one side of the neck at the expense of
the opposite side... all sides of the neck should stretch upward. Pay particular attention
to the back of the neck, which is often shortened when the chin is held too high. Be
careful not to thrust the head forward from the neck, as the vertebrate in the neck should
continue upward as an extension of the spine.
Chest / Torso
The chest and hips must always be in good, vertical alignment. The ribcage should
feel as though it is being lifted off of the hips, in such a way as to lengthen the spine.
Any lifting of the chest, however, should always be accomplished in such a way as to allow
for normal, comfortable breathing. Never allow the chest to pitch forward or slouch back
in relationship to the hips.
Pelvis
The position of the hips must allow for a natural curve of the spine. The pelvis should
therefore be held in a midway position, neither tucking excessively under, nor sticking
out backward.
Legs
When the legs are straight, the knees will be positioned directly between the hips and the
feet. When the knees bend forward, the alignment of the hips and feet should remain
constant, so that the body can remain upright. Always try to feel that you lengthen your
torso as you bend your knees, so that your posture does not "deflate". Never
allow your pelvis to stick out backward, even slightly, as the knees bend.
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Feet
It is very important for a good dancer to become aware of the placement of the body weight
over the feet. In a normal, standing position, the body weight should remain slightly
forward of the middle of the feet, between the heel and the ball of the foot. In motion,
this position is variable, based on the mechanics of the specific movement. It will range
from the back of the heel to the front of the big toe, but this distribution of weight
should not affect the alignment of the upper blocks of weight, from hips to head.
Exercise
Lie down flat on your back, with your knees bent to approximately a 90° angle, and
feet flat on the floor. Let your arms fall easily to your sides, or rest them on your
stomach. Breathe normally, allowing all of the muscles is your body to relax. Feel your
back flat against the floor, and try to minimize any spaces, particularly in the area of
the small of the back. There will inevitably be a space at the neck, but this space will
be reduced slightly when the neck is stretched longer. (This exercise can also be done
against a wall, in a standing position. The feet should be held 6-12 inches away from the
wall).
Correct: Relaxed, straight back, neck stretched long.
Incorrect: Tense, arched back, kinked neck.
