BALANCE THE ELUSIVE QUALITY (Part 3 of 3)
This Issue:
THE THIRD ELEMENT - "HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT"
The key ingredient for turning and spinning in balance.


As mentioned in the two previous issues, there are
three main elements necessary to develop
excellent balance.

The First Element (Part 1 of 3) - "THE SUPPORTING LEG"
Refers to the constant awareness of the supporting leg
which is necessary for good body balance. It is the
supporting leg that sustains the body upright.

The Second Element (Part 2 of 3) -"VERTICAL ALIGNMENT'
Refers to the vertical alignment of the three main
body blocks:
1) Knees
2) Hips
3) Shoulders
The vertical alignment will allow you to stay on your
toes in perfect balance, and master the rise and fall
in dances like the Waltz and Foxtrot.

The third Element - "HORIZONTAL ALIGNEMENT"
(which we will concentrate on in this issue)
Refers to the horizontal alignment of the hip line
as well as the shoulder line. The key ingredient for
turning and spinning in balance.


PRINT THIS PAGE AND TRY THE FOLLOWING EXERCISE

Stand with your feet together, balance on your left
foot (let the arms hang straight down on both sides
of the body).

Keeping elbows in place, bring your arms forward
as if carrying a tray (you can use an actual tray as a
prop for this exercise).

Slowly lift your Right Knee up in front of you as high
as you can and point the toes downward. Sustain
that position for a moment concentrating on the
supporting column or left side of the body.

Slowly lower your left leg down and transfer
your weight.

Slowly lift your Left Knee in front of you as high
as you can and point toes downward. Sustain
that position for a moment concentrating on the
supporting column or right side of the body.

Slowly lower your leg down and transfer
your weight.

Repeat several times alternating legs.

Advanced Tips
As you practice this exercise, relax the knees and
lift the pelvis up by shortening the stomach muscles
and stretching the lower back. Picture the hips as
if they were on a pedestal- perfectly horizontal.

When you find the correct body position, you will
notice that your body is perfectly aligned vertically
as well as horizontally. You will also become very
aware of the axis or column that supports your body.

Practice the three main elements of balance, and you
will enjoy a tremendous control of your body.
All of your movements will be more dynamic,
rhythmic, and graceful - on and off the dance floor.


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