"Dancing Tid-bits" Issue #97, Thursday, April 11, 2002


Dancing Tid-bits
What is Good Posture?

What is Good Posture?..That is a million dollar Question!

What is Posture? As we have evolved from lower forms of life, the Human Species have gained an Upright Posture. So, it may be said that Posture is "How we carry our Bodies".

What is Good Posture? It is like stacking up dominos, one on top of the other and how well we can do it. The most important domino units we have are our Vertebrae in our Spinal Column. In other words, "Keep your Back" and you have a good posture.

Lower Body: Feet, Ankles, Knees and Legs are more or less naturally fixed and unchangeable. However keeping a good Tone, keeping a good Base (Balance), and feeling the weight into the inside edges of the feet will add to good Posture.

Hips and Pelvis: "Tuck that Tusch In". I don't mean to be gross but how many times have you heard that from your coach. This is very important and "tucking" your hips forward and bringing them in vertical with rest of the Spine will improve your posture 50%. This will result in your thighs being more toned and forward and the lumbar lordosis diminish.

Lengthen your Spine: Yes, get in the habit of keeping your Spinal Column Long and as straight as possible but natural. Exercises: You can stand straight against a wall with your back of the heels, hips, shoulders and back of your head touching the wall; you have attained a straight and good posture. Take a CD case or a Book and place it on the top of your head and walk, keep balance and certainly you have improved your posture.

Nice Long Neck, Chin Up: Show your Proud Stance but dont be arrogant. Smile.

Posture of course is not static: You have a sitting Posture and a Lying Down Posture and all forms in between. Pay attention to your Back while you are driving or working on the desk. The TV reporters must be getting special training; their backs always look good sitting and talking like they are gods.

Finally Posture remains "same good" for Ballroom or Latin but our Shapes and Poise Change. If there is no Posture, there is no Dance. Easier said than done. Best Wishes for a good Posture, Sincerely, Max.

Questions and comments to Dancemax@aol.com, thank you.


This article is part of and should be seen in the frame context of Dancesport UK, Tid-bits