I remember when the only way to solve a movement challenge was to bounce from one solution to another.
Ticking them off in a fury of trial and error using known options. Known, yet not workable.
Arm styling using my arm more ‘effectively’ as opposed to looking at organizing my whole self in order to get the arm working well. Changing directions in a crossover break by turning my head without looking with my eyes. And stiffening my stature in an effort to have better posture.
Habits, in particular from my ballet training, run deep. I’ve found that it helps to always be attuned to them.
As a review: the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.
Done these things?
I have, with poor outcomes. We are continually recruiting our known options for the purpose of making improvements: Including ballroom technique.
So, why do we often choose what is clearly not working simply because it is familiar? Or, in other words, not going beyond the scope of what is our habit.
Because the familiar habit is a familiar feeling. It’s difficult not to cling to that. We don’t seek something else because there is an immediate sensation and satisfaction that says ‘this feels right’, even when we know that that very thing is not working.
So, it is worth thinking outside of the rumba box……..yes, proper hip action is important, placement of the feet (V position), good posture – what IS that? Easeful, upright posture in ballroom is the same as easeful upright posture in your life. The only difference in ballroom is that you are applying it to a form, a frame and the movement that follows.
If you are compressing your spine when drying/fixing your hair, you are probably doing the same thing while moving around the dance floor with your partner.
Here are 3 things that you can do to become aware of your posture no matter what you do:
- Neck tightening in response to a trigger – picking up that dropped blueberry off the floor, speak, be annoyed, laugh, extend your head/spine back to look at the moon or while being dipped by your partner.
- Breathing – notice when you stop or when it is shallow. Particularly before a challenging section of choreography. Our body needs oxygen just at these moments.
- Expand the space around you – see the whole room, both objects and people.
My students are amazed when they learn tools that were unknown to them. When we observe habits that are no longer working, those tools are easier to apply.
This is the process I can offer you. You will feel more easeful, alive, have less pain and gain clarity about how your brain effects your body. We are using our brain every day automatically. Imagine the benefits of applying our brainwork in a conscious new direction?
Happy Dancing! If you would like to book a lesson with me, please use my contact form, tell me about yourself and leave your availability. I will respond within 24 hours.
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