| As mentioned in the two previous issues, there are | | | | of the body). |
| three main elements necessary to develop excellent | | | | Keeping elbows in place, bring your arms forward as |
| balance. | | | | if carrying a tray (you can use an actual tray as a |
| THE FIRST ELEMENT (Part 1 of 3) - "THE | | | | prop for this exercise). |
| SUPPORTING LEG" | | | | Slowly lift your Right Knee up in front of you as high |
| Refers to the constant awareness of the supporting | | | | as you can and point the toes downward. Sustain |
| leg which is necessary for good body balance. It is | | | | that position for a moment concentrating on the |
| the supporting leg that sustains the body upright. | | | | supporting column or left side of the body. |
| THE SECOND ELEMENT (Part 2 of 3) -"VERTICAL | | | | Slowly lower your leg down and transfer your weight. |
| ALIGNMENT" | | | | Slowly lift your Left Knee in front of you as high as |
| Refers to the vertical alignment of the three main | | | | you can and point toes downward. Sustain that |
| body blocks: | | | | position for a moment concentrating on the |
| | | | supporting column or right side of the body. |
| 1. Knees | | | | Slowly lower your leg down and transfer your weight. |
| 2. Hips | | | | Repeat several times alternating legs. |
| 3. Shoulders | | | | ADVANCE TIPS. As you practice this exercise, relax |
| The vertical alignment will allow you to stay on your | | | | the knees and lift the pelvis up by shortening the |
| toes in perfect balance, and master the rise and fall in | | | | stomach muscles and stretching the lower back. |
| dances like the Waltz and Foxtrot. | | | | Picture the hips as if they were on a pedestal- |
| THE THIRD ELEMENT - "HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT" | | | | perfectly horizontal. |
| (which we will concentrate on in this article) | | | | When you find the correct body position, you will |
| Refers to the horizontal alignment of the hip line as | | | | notice that your body is perfectly aligned vertically as |
| well as the shoulder line. The key ingredient for | | | | well as horizontally. You will also become very aware |
| turning and spinning in balance. | | | | of the axis or column that supports your body. |
| PRINT THIS PAGE AND TRY THE FOLLOWING | | | | Practice the three main elements of balance, and you |
| EXERCISE | | | | will enjoy a tremendous control of your body.All of |
| Stand with your feet together, balance on your left | | | | your movements will be more dynamic, rhythmic, and |
| foot (let the arms hang straight down on both sides | | | | graceful - on and off the dance floor. |