Breakdown of Basic Isolations - Week Two

Start by warming up and reviewing the material from the previous week. We will then add these two moves to our vocabulary:

• Mayas - Vertical hip figure eights are also called “mayas” or “amayas” depending on where you learn your dance vocabulary. They are done by using your hips to draw a figure 8 on the wall in front of you. Start by sliding your hip to the right, now push your hip down. Slide the move up and through the center of your pelvis so that your left hip is up and out. Push your left hip down and slide the move up and through the center so that your right hip is up and out. Try this several times taking each step slowly and being sure you hit each point. When you are comfortable, smooth it out to make an 8. Reverse the move and practice that way a few times. This is one of those moves that, while easier to do by allowing your heels to lift off the floor, I recommend practicing (at least the “down” version) with your feet flat and your knees a little more bent that normally - in other words, take a seat! If you can do this move without lifting your heels from the floor, it will help you define the move more and you will be able to add level changes later as you like.

• Snake Arms - Snake arms actually start in the shoulders and move to the fingers. It is easiest to start with one arm. Hold your arm out to the side (elbow should be relaxed) and roll your shoulder to the front, up, back and down. As you are doing this, let the movement travel down your arm towards your fingers. You should get a wave-like movement traveling from your shoulder to your elbow to your fingers. Try this several times and then repeat with the other arm.Once you are comfortable doing this movement one arm at a time, try it with both. The secret to doing both arms is to start with one and then follow with the other. When one shoulder is up, the other should be down; when one is back, the other should be front; and so on.Remember, if you keep your arms from tensing up, the movement will flow easier, so stop every once in a while and relax.

Breakdown of Basic Isolations - Week One …read full article…

This is fairly simple. Belly flutters are done by tightening and releasing the stomach muscles repeatedly and rapidly. The trick is not holding your breath while you are doing them.

A sweeping hip circle is a huge, exaggerated hip circle that also involves the upper body.

Start in your basic stance with your arms held out to the side and do a couple basic hip circles (drawing your circle on the floor) to get in rhythm. As you take the hip circle to the back, lean your upper body forward. When the circle comes to the left, lean your upper body …read full article…

Sorry to have been away so long. The office is finally moved and I can get back to dancing! I’ll try to find something new to post on weekdays.

Let’s try a camel today. A camel is an undulation that starts at the top. Begin in your basic stance (feet planted firmly on the floor pointing forward …read full article…

A side step is a very simple traveling move. Starting with your right foot, step to the right and then step with your left foot to bring your feet together. Repeat, reverse, try flat footed or demi-pointe, have fun!

A down step (to the side) is just a little more complicated. Start flat footed and …read full article…