Lessons from Tai Chi - Posture

jLessons from Tai Chi - Posture

In Debbie Spencer's lesson this week, we focussed on posture. The form (pattern) that we perform in tai chi should flow but there are recognisable positions that we can practice to ensure our posture is correct. The strength of these specific positions is critically dependant on exact positioning of the body. A hand turned incorrectly can result in a weak posture and the person can easily be pushed off balance. Moving that hand to the correct position results in a stable posture which cannot be disturbed unless extreme force is applied. With practice these positions are obtained without thought but nevertheless generate joy as we pass from one to another.

Posture is one of the most important aspects of tango, which can easily be overlooked in the desire to learn steps. A leader with good posture can communicate much more successfully with a follower who has also adopted a correct posture. The frame of both partners will respond to each other if correct postures are in evidence. Poor posture or weak connection between partners will result in difficulties in communication. Just as with tai chi, if our posture in tango is maintained, and consequently our balance, then we move in consort with our partner, reflecting the music and generating a joy in our dance. This joy is shared between the two people dancing and may be observed by a skilled onlooker. There would not be extravagant show moves deliberately directed at onlookers! In the old days if a couple were clearly dancing to be watched, the milongueros would toss coins onto the floor!

In Tango, leaders tend to breathe high in the chest because we signal with our chest, show our intention. An intake and exhalation of breath can indicate the period of a pause, as important in the dance as any step. With a little practice we can breathe into different parts of the body. The easiest is to allow the belly to expand on the intake of breath. This is much more relaxing than breathing high in the chest and is used in meditation. A way of grounding the body is to breathe out from the lower back. This might sound strange but it is easy to do. Take deep breath and think lower back, below the ribs, as you exhale. Automatically you will be more grounded and your tango will improve.