Finding Your Center or Dance Core

Have you ever heard the expression, "You need to find your center" or " Lead or follow with your core?"  If you haven't, and you are just learning to dance, then rest assured you will. 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 first referred to my "center" or "core". While I am not really sure how to explain it to you, I will try. It is the ability to have your body weight centered over your feet at all times, enabling you to always be prepared to move in any direction at any time.

Here are a few exercises that might help you. You can practice these just about anywhere you are such as: standing in a line, waiting for the microwave, stirring something on the stove, drying your hair or even watching TV.

These BALANCE EXERCISES should help to strengthen your coordination, muscles, and reflexes.

Stand on a hard surface with weight distributed equally upon both of your feet with your 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 it becomes easier to 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 and his crazy pose? Try it! Make sure to keep your awareness on the position of your mid-foot. This also helps to build calf strength which is essential for solid, consistent 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. Now 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 struggle 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 balanced by keeping your center over your feet. Now continue to practice standing on the balls of your feet. One at a time, and both together. 

Now try spreading your toes. Use the ball of your foot right behind your big toe, your big toe and little baby pinky toe to create the tripod. This will also help you to remain balanced and centered. One of your goals should be to remain balanced and centerd ready to move in any direction at any time.

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.

How many of you are fortunate enough to have a place to dance one or two nights a week? If so, then you might want to check out Ballroom Dancers and Swing Dancers Beware. It is sure to help keep everyone happy.  
Please be sure and share your dancing stories with us. We love to hear about your trials and triumphs! http://www.ras-this.com/