Michele Rasmussen

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. My son and his family asked if it would be all right to invite their friends. The more the merrier in my opinion, so of course I said yes.

Needless to say, the girls spent most of the time in the kitchen, while the boys were rockin' out to Rock Band. Of course that means that there is music playing. Without even realizing what I was doing, one of my guests said, "Are you a dancer?", I looked at here and said, "Yes, why do you ask?". She said it was because I was spinning and turning all over the kitchen! She also said that she used to dance, (before the baby, now another on the way) and that she used to do the same thing. We also talked about how dance just gets into your soul and makes your heart sing!

Which leads me to this realization. You can practice dance anywhere and everywhere. I obviously turn from one end of my kitchen to the other, without even realizing it, I also practice traveling turns going down the hall and across the room. One of the easiest exercises to practice is one that will help you with your center.

If you are wondering what I am talking about, you are not alone. I did not have a clue what people were talking about when they referred to my "center" or "core". And I am not really sure how to explain it to you, other than to say that while dancing it is very important for you to have your weight centered over your feet at all times. You must always be prepared to move in any direction at any time.

Here are a few exercises that you can practice no matter where you are. Like standing in a line, or waiting for the microwave, stirring something on the stove, drying your hair........you get the idea.

These are BALANCE EXERCISES that will help to strengthen your coordination, muscles, and reflexes.

First one, stand on both feet on a hard surface, knees slightly bent. Slowly lift one leg, leaving all of your weight on one foot. Have your weight between the heel and the ball of your foot equally, with more weight on the inside of the foot. You will find that you will need to adjust your weight until you find the place where you are completely stable. This can require quite a bit of practice and adjustment, but once you master that "sweet spot" you will find that the next time, you will settle into that spot much more quickly and naturally. It will become second nature and comfortable. Practice taking turns on each foot. Once you become "stable" try adding movement. Wave your arms and your free leg. Remember the Karate Kid ? Keep your awareness on the position of your mid-foot. This helps you build calf strength, which is also needed for dance balance.

Another important aspect of centering yourself requires knowing and seeing where you are. Do not fall into the habit of dancing through glazed eyes. Focus your eyes, find your "point of reference" sometimes it will be your partner, other times it will be where you are traveling to. To demonstrate what I am saying, stand barefoot with BOTH FEET TOUCHING. then roll up to the balls of your feet and balance there. Once you have your balance perfect... close your eyes. Do you feel yourself have to stretch to keep your balance? Now open your eyes and focus. See the difference, see how important our vision is in helping us to find our balance? Practice using your eyes, it will help you stay on your feet, and where you are supposed to be. Now continue to practice standing on the balls of your feet. One at a time, and both together. Spread your toes creating a "tripod". Use the ball of your foot right behind your big toe, your big toe and little baby pinky toe to create the tripod.

Remembering to practice all of these little tips will help to improve your balance, find your center or core and bring your dancing to a higher level.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, as for me, I am headed to the dance floor to work off all of that extra stuffing and gravy I ate! Swing Dancing tonight, Ballroom Dancing tomorrow night, what more can a girl ask for? Oh, yeah, a willing partner???

Happy Dancing,

Michele