Clarifying the Use of the Foot

Greetings!

Today's lesson, Clarifying the Use of the Foot, can help to improve the function of the foot. It is a personal favorite of mine and has many interesting applications in the dance studio. As the name suggests, it can be great for improving the stability of the standing foot and articulation of the working foot, but there are many other positive (and unexpected) effects that the lesson can bring about. For example, it can help to:

1) Reduce overuse of the thighs.
2) Help students connect the experience of the the heel leading forward in tendu front, to the activation of the hip rotators.

Also, If you have students who tend to hold tension in the neck, this lesson may be helpful. It is an important reminder that dancing is a "from the ground up" experience, and misuse of the foot and ankle can have repercussions that manifest in other parts of the body. If you are a teacher and find useful applications for this lesson in your classes--please share what you are doing. I am sure we are all looking for new ways to inspire our students.

To change the subject for a moment--I want to thank everyone who voted for IntelliDANCE on ideablob! We didn't get into the finals for March, but the grant program has been extended through September of 2008, so we are still in the running. If you would like to cast a vote for us, click here to link to our voting page.

Finally, I have produced this Podcast using a new software program. I hope that it will be an improved listening experience for you all. If you have any comments or problems--please let me know by clicking the link at the end of this post.

Thanks everyone! Enjoy the lesson!!!

Best,
Andrea

IntelliDANCE Podcast-Lesson 7: Clarifying the Use of the Foot

Just Up

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. We are going to start 2008 with a lesson that I really love. I call it Just Up. I have drawn the movement from a series of Awareness Through Movement® lessons that involve the use of oscillations.

I like this lesson for dancers for many reasons. I especially like the way it helps dancers to experience the feeling of being pulled up, without triggering unnecessary tension in the body.

I like it for another reason as well—I think it helps to generate a feeling of optimism. I can think of no better way to begin the New Year. Enjoy!


IntelliDANCE Podcast 6: Just Up

© Andrea Higgins 2008.