How can we release while on the dancefloor?

We will go body  part after body part detecting tension and finding ways to release it.

• Classic spot #1: shoulders

  You can see tension building in the shoulders, because of their position– lifting up to the ears, or pressing down.
  Tension, becomes visibile though through the movement as well. Notice how many people, have their shoulders in the right position but at the same time they are completely imobile– like robots.
  How can you fix it: Reassess your posture and how you get into it, maybe you are working to hard for it. Try to make it part of your dance. Getting into your posture should be a little personal dance.
  Try to focus on the line of your spine, find your breathing pattern and feel where your partner is, while dancing, so you can relax along with them.

• Classic spot #2: neck

  You can see the tension, all around the neck when you are pressing forward or pulling back.
  The line of the neck needs to naturally follow the line of your spine.
  How can you fix it: When you realize that tension is building around your neck, release that position. Let it go!
  Make your atlas your focus point and allow your neck to realign.
  Have in mind that of course tension in the neck might derive or cause tension in the shoulders.

• Classic spot #4: head

  The easiest way to tell is by the pressure you are feeling on your forehead, at the point of contact with your partner.
  How can you fix it: Relax your chin! The moment you start to gently moving your chin, and find the natural spot for it, tension will be gone. Also remember to breath!

• Classic spot #5: arms

  How you can tell? You see every muscle flexing, like Arnold Schwarzenegger. haha
  Tension in the arms, may derive or cause tension in the shoulders and neck.
  How can you fix it: The fastest way to relax your arms while dancing is to relax the elbows. Often times we lock the elbows in uncomfortable positions, if you drop the elbows down towards the floor for a few seconds and redefine their position you will have the opportunity to find a strong position for the arms but yet flexible.

• Classic spot #6: lumbar spine

  You have to be very careful with this, because you can get seriously injured. You might feel numbness or even pain. Your balance and alignment might be off and your movement might be restrained.
  How can you fix it: Just like the shoulders you need to revisit the way you get into your posture. So again as you are getting ready to start dancing, try to make your posture into a little personal dance, allowing your breath to lead you into it. Secondly, while dancing, try to focus your attention to your tailbone.

• Classic spot #7: hips

  This is also another spot  that may give you great trouble. You will be feeling pain in the hip- joint and your movement being restrained.
  How can you fix it: Grab the chance of a parada or a pause to relax the position you have set your hips in. It might feel strange, but you have to let it go before you redefine it. Direct your breath to your hips, take your focus there feeling the connection of the hips with your breathing pattern and your legs.

• Classic spot #8: face

  You can easily tell if you look at your milonga and you are looking like Jocker. You are holding tension in your face.
  How can you fix it: If you are a follower you can actually close your eyes for a moment and allow your expression to relax. If you are leading or if it is uncomfortable having your eyes closed, focus on your mouth and relax it– not just your lips, your whole mouth.

• Classic spot #9: in the movement
  

  I you feel like a robot while dancing, it is probably because the way you are creating your movement, is strening your body.
  How can you fix it: The easiest way while on the dancefloor, is through the breath. Tuning into your breathing pattern can help you understand every movement in depth, and prevent you from muscling through each step. Secondly, you can relax your movement by focusing on your navel and directing the movement from there.

Tools for confident Ganchos

If you are wondering why you see ganchos here, in a section dealing with how to release tension, the answer is simple…because practicing on ganchos can actually help you do exactly THAT.

Here is what you will learn from this 3 level drill

1. What is the MOST important ingredient for successful ganchos
2. How do we respond to gravity and how we yield with one side to free the other
3. What are the most common mistakes dancers make when doing a gancho and how you can avoid them
4. Successfully freeing up one leg so you can kick without losing your balance or tensing up
5. Understanding what is the body supposed to be doing to support the action
6. Finding how should your frame work to lead and follow the gancho without pushing and pulling on your partner
7. The timing for the gancho

So with no further a do, here is your video:

Keep up the good work you all! Have a great weekend
-Chrisa

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