KEEP YOUR RIBCAGE LIFTED



By Norma Westover

We began 2004 with a new series of articles detailing the body mechanics involved in bellydance. Interested readers may want to check out January’s feature: Tuck Your Hips, and February’s feature: Flex Your Knees, to keep the information in order of relevance.

Let’s spend the month of March understanding the importance of proper carriage of the ribcage in Middle Eastern Dance.

Building on our theme of flexibility around a central axis, it’s logical and natural that the ribcage be lifted slightly up and forward. This posture frees up both the dancer’s lung capacity and mid-spinal mobility in much the same manner that the tilted pelvis liberates the lower vertebrae. With the ribcage positioned to support free movement of the upper torso’s musculature, the dancer can easily work on such techniques as rib slides, circles, lifts and locks; while the uncompressed lungs can take in all the air needed to sustain long, challenging performances.

Since the mechanics of the ribcage and mid-spine are so straightforward, we’ll address a side issue that perplexes most every beginning dancer. I frequently hear beginners express concern that they’re discouraged by an inability to isolate each part of the body the way an accomplished performance demands. It is true that isolation is one of the more advanced techniques a bellydancer encounters; however, what needs to be understood is that the ability to properly isolate requires firm grounding in the proper anatomical postures covered in-depth by this series of articles. Poor posture = Inhibited/awkward movement! How wonderful that this simple realization is one of the true keys to early success.

We leave you this month with a new piece of the total dance posture picture to work on; use it with that other sure-fire key to success, practice and plenty of it. Happy Dancing!



Copyright 2004 all rights reserved Helena Vlahos