Walking Like a Dancer

One of the key elements to dancing is correct alignment.  When you see people who have danced for many years, you notice there is something different about the way they stand.  They keep their spine nice and long, their chin is lifted, their shoulders are rolled back.  Their posture looks strong and confident. 

It is important for us to teach correct posture and alignment from a young age to avoid forming bad habits.  Our modern life has us sitting much of the time, and slumping is at an all time high.  Good posture helps bring about a healthy spine, as well as a healthy attitude.  As many of you already know, bad posture and back problems that may develop are never fun. 

Here is a trick used in class at Dance Arts, to help young students develop the balance and grace when walking, of a dancer. 

Stand across the room from your child and place a small stuffed animal on your head. 

Walk across the room very slowly, trying to keep the stuffed animal balanced on your head. 

When you get to your child give them the stuffed animal and return to the other side of the room. 

Now it is your child's turn to walk the stuffed animal over to you.

The students had a great time with this activity.  We hope you enjoy it at home!