body A.DM.1 Understand how to use movement skills in dance. A.DM.1.1 Use dynamic alignment, articulation of movement, and aesthetic criteria to refine dance movement.

What is your perception of your being and how does it effect dance? Word Wall Perception Aesthetic Experience Tension Proprioception Somatic Movement Alexander Technique

What is your perception of your being and how does it effect dance? Warm-up release swings into side swing into standing. 1 st on the floor stretch threw the movement 8 counts, 6 counts, 4 count, 2 count, rt leg out left in lateral flextion over to cross the extended leg and rond de jambe to the outside. Standing parallel plie with reaching arms, stretch in 2 nd, tense and release improvisation Technique: plie in 1 st 2 nd and 5 th Foot flick center Tendue from 5 th close back passe releve plie Saute 1 st 2 nd echappe changement Stretch and strength Across the floor leg swings, battement, inverstion rond de jambe inverstion beat hand stand Prace Leaps in zig zag pathway Center release phrase tension and release

Warm-up release swings into side swing into standing. 1 st on the floor stretch threw the movement 8 counts, 6 counts, 4 count, 2 count, rt leg out left in lateral flextion over to cross the extended leg and rond de jambe to the outside. Standing parallel plie with reaching arms, stretch in 2 nd, tense and release improvisation Technique: plie in 1 st 2 nd and 5 th Foot flick center Tendue from 5 th close back passe releve plie Saute 1 st 2 nd echappe changement Stretch and strength Across the floor leg swings, battement, inverstion rond de jambe inverstion beat hand stand Prace Leaps in zig zag pathway Center release phrase tension and release Watch release

Samples Pelvic Clock The pelvic clock exercise can help improve the flexibility of your pelvis while strengthening your back and abdominal muscles to help keep your hips aligned. Lie down on the floor with both knees bent and the soles of your feet flat on the floor. Tighten the muscles of your abdomen to press the small of your back on the floor. Imagine that your hips are at the starting position of 12 o'clock and begin to slowly rotate your hips through their full range of motion, going around the clock face. Repeat in a counter-clockwise motion. Create an Exercise Plan Build a Custom Plan Here Based on Your Goals and Favorite Activities. merckengage.comCreate an Exercise Planmerckengage.com Sponsored Links Pelvic Tilt The pelvic tilt can help improve the strength of your lower back and abdomen while at the same time decompressing your spine to allow for more flexibility. Lie down on your back with both knees bent and the soles of your feet flat on the floor. Exhale while at the same time tightening the muscles of your abdomen to press your lower back into the floor. This motion will tilt your hips forward slightly to decompress your lower back. Hold this position for five seconds and repeat five to 15 times daily. Neutral Spine

This exercise requires a broomstick or yardstick to help you follow the alignment of your spine. Stand up, and begin by lining up the stick to it follows your spine from your pelvis to the back of your head. Use both hands to hold the stick in place, with one hand holding behind your head and your other hand holding the stick in line with your lower back and hips. Bend at your waist as if you were bowing while holding the stick in place. Keep your back straight when performing this motion. When you have become comfortable with bowing using proper body alignment, begin to bow while simultaneously bending your knees. Continue to use the stick as a reference to determine whether you're using proper posture. With practice, this exercise can train your body to bend and lift objects using proper body mechanics and a healthy posture. Cat Stretch Begin this exercise by kneeling on all fours on the floor in a crawling position. Position your knees directly under your hips and your hands directly under your shoulders. Inhale and lower your abdomen toward the floor while lifting your head to look at the ceiling. Hold this position for several seconds. Exhale while slowly lifting your abdomen and rounding your back as if you were trying to touch your back to the ceiling. Lower your head and tuck your chin into your chest when performing this motion. Hold this position for several seconds, and relax. Repeat five times. Read more: Jun 14, 2011 | By Cynthia Myers Cynthia Myers is the author of numerous novels and her nonfiction work has appeared in publications ranging from "Historic Traveler" to "Texas Highways" to "Medical Practice Management." She has a degree in economics from Sam Houston State University. Before turning to freelancing full-time, Myers worked as a newspaper reporter, travel agent and medical clinic manager.

Photo Credit ballet silhouettes image by Slobodan Djajic from Fotolia.com The beauty of dance lies not only in the movements the dancer executes, but in the grace with which the dancer holds herself. Proper body alignment allows the dancer to move freely and lessens the risk of injury. Poor body alignment puts excess strain on muscles and joints, while proper alignment helps to strengthen the dancer's muscles. Learning proper alignment is often the first step in learning to dance. Step 1 Stand facing forward with your arms hanging loose and naturally at your sides. Your head should sit level on your neck, neither tilted forward or leaning back. Avoid hunching your shoulders. Check your alignment in a full-length mirror. Shoulder Posture Brace Comfortable, Lightweight Brace Improves Posture & Relieves Pain. Posture Bracewww.gaiam.com/Shoulder_Brace Sponsored Links Step 2 Soften your knees. Stand with knees over the toes. The kneecap shouldn't extend over the toes. Don't lock the knees, as it puts extra strain on the back of the knees, putting pressure on the base of the spine. Step 3 Align your spine so that your back is straight, still with the natural curve at the base of the spine. Your shoulders, hipbones and knees should be in line. According to Andrea Adams, a posture alignment specialist with Moving Synergy in Austin, Texas, stacking these major joints like the rungs of a ladder reduces stress on the joints. Step 4 Balance your weight evenly over both feet, flat on the floor. Don't roll your feet inward or outward. Step 5 Relax. Tensing your muscles can put strain on muscles and joints and pull the body out of alignment. Regular exercise and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, can help you to relax. Read more: