Do More With Your Legs and Less With Your Arms
I was in trouble.
On my first attempt at rock climbing, I clung desperately to the wall. Within minutes, my forearms went numb. When I couldn't hold on any longer, I let myself fall to the mercy of the waiting rope. Climbing seemed impossible, and giving up was humiliating
The problem was simple. I was doing too much work with my arms and not enough with my legs.
Two weeks later, I went back to the gym and scampered effortlessly to the top of the wall. I repeated the climb several times. Suddenly, I was having fun doing what had once seemed so difficult.
What changed? Somewhere over the course of those two weeks, my body figured out how to stand on those little bumps. Once I began to support my weight with my legs instead of hanging on for dear life with my arms, climbing was a breeze. Well, at least it was on the beginner's wall.
Draw Power from the Lower Body
A dancer's power resides in the thighs, hips, calves, and core. This is your engine. Engage the powerful muscles in your lower body. Let them work for you. Let the lower body control your movements and establish and maintain your balance.
If you find yourself struggling with your arms - hanging, pulling, pushing, clinging, or manipulating - you're working against your own body.
Relax your arms. They should feel as though they are floating. Your arms should not move you or support you, nor should they move or support your partner. That's what legs are for. Use you arms to create a comfortable embrace and to establish connection.
The Cappuccino Analogy
The base of a cappuccino is espresso, a strong, dense coffee loaded with caffeinated energy. On top of this base is a light, frothy foam produced by running steam through a cup of milk.
Ideally, your legs should emulate the espresso. Let them be powerful and energetic.
Your arms should emulate the foam. Let the be light and airy and never tense
In Practice
Be aware of your arms and shoulders as you dance. Whenever you feel strain, tension, or any unnecessary muscular activation in the upper body, try to relax this area. Simultaneously engage the strong muscles in your core, hips, and legs. Let your "engine" do it's work so the upper body can relax.
Use your upper body to establish a gentle connection with your partner. Use your lower body to control movement and balance.
Follow these guidelines, and your dancing should improve noticeably.
Note: This guideline is equally important for leaders. Work the thighs and the core, gents, and let those arms and shoulders relax!
¡Buena suerte, amigos, y muchas gracias!
Note: This guideline is equally important for leaders. Work the thighs and the core, gents, and let those arms and shoulders relax!
¡Buena suerte, amigos, y muchas gracias!
Daniel
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