Yoga - Breathing - Tango

Yoga - Breathing - Tango

We have all struggled to master a routine, only to suddenly realise we are not breathing, and had to gasp for breath. Obviously we have to relax enough to breathe easily and smoothly to carry us through any physical activity. 

In Debbie Spencer's yoga class we practice different breathing techniques. Expelling air in different ways, breathing in high in the chest or low in the belly, using the diaphragm. In certain postures we can breathe predominately into one lung. All of this give us more control over our body and can ensure we make the best use of our lungs since it is breathing, after all, which keeps us alive!

In tango the breath give us a means to control dynamic expression by the body. A sustained intake of breath can herald a pause. Both partners may hold their breath to make the pause full of tension. An exhalation of breath means we move into the next step full of intention in the dance.

Sometimes the use of breath is more significant in the dance than what our feet do!