There’s a saying: Paralysis by analysis. It means the more we over-think something, the less we feel what the correct action should be. Our feelings and instincts might not count for so much when say, trimming your nails, but they count for most of what makes dancing feel like dancing. Continue reading "Avoiding Over-thinking on the Dance Floor"
Ballroom Dancer Training for Stronger Muscles
We have a decent understanding now of what muscles we frequently use to make strong and controlled ballroom movements. But what dancer training exercises can make them stronger - and give our dancing more power, speed and endurance?
As there are countless exercises out there, and this is just an overview, I’m giving the most effective exercises I know, one for each major area of the body. Continue reading "Ballroom Dancer Training for Stronger Muscles"
Ballroom Dance Muscles You Need to Know (P2)
Last week, we looked at the major ballroom dance muscle groups we use to make magic on the floor. Now let’s get specific. These muscles we often forget about, either because we’ve never heard of them, or because, well, they just don’t seem that important. Apologies in advance for some of the longer Latin words below - they may be hard to pronounce, but you’ll sound very impressive while using them. Continue reading "Ballroom Dance Muscles You Need to Know (P2)"
Ballroom Dance Muscles You Need to Know (P1)
We’ve already covered how crucial it is to stretch your muscles before you dance, to avoid benching yourself with an injury for weeks, or longer. Our muscles must also be strong enough to support the rather unusual positions we take on the floor. So, what are the most important ballroom dance muscles? And how do they help us move and look our best during our favourite song? Continue reading "Ballroom Dance Muscles You Need to Know (P1)"
Dancing Exercises for Any Level
Like a certain Depeche Mode song, there’s some techniques in dancing you just can’t get enough of. Tricky body movements that can take a lifetime of training to master. Here’s some common dancing exercises worth adding to your routine. Continue reading "Dancing Exercises for Any Level"
How to Improve Balance in Dance: Grounding Exercises 2
Previously, we talked about how to improve balance using the principle of grounding. Time to get more advanced! Continue reading "How to Improve Balance in Dance: Grounding Exercises 2"
Improving Balance: Grounding Exercises 1
Last week we learned a powerful tool for improving balance, by increasing floor connection and stability. Now it’s time to take the principle of staying grounded to the dance floor and feel it in action. Continue reading "Improving Balance: Grounding Exercises 1"
How to Improve Balance in Dance: Staying Grounded
A lot of instructors talk about the importance of staying ‘grounded’ through your movements. You might hear strange comments like ‘heavy walking’, and ‘push through the floor’.When learning how to improve our balance in dance, what exactly does staying grounded do for us? Continue reading "How to Improve Balance in Dance: Staying Grounded"
Ballroom Dancing Stretches: Part 3
Now that we know a few things about stretching safely and efficiently, let’s look at some great stretches we can use to build flexibility and reduce our chances of injury. Continue reading "Ballroom Dancing Stretches: Part 3"
Ballroom Dancing Stretches: Part 2
Last week, we examined the importance of stretching to prevent injury, the main muscle groups involved, and a sample stretch to use for each. Now, let’s look at some tips that help you get the most from each stretch. Continue reading "Ballroom Dancing Stretches: Part 2"