Dance Imagery, Illustrated

Finally got around to posting this for the April Challenge - favorite Dance Imagery!

I was reading Moira's response to the challenge about Irish Dance imagery (or lack thereof) and realized that all of my imagery happens when I teach modern, jazz or ballet... not too much in tap class.  I am going to pay attention in the next few months and see if I can't come up with some tap imagery.

In the meantime, here are my favorite images, which all happen to be in ballet.  Probably because my youngest students are my ballet class and I try to use a lot of imagery to help concepts stay in their minds and bodies.  Enjoy... and please don't laugh too much at my drawing skillz :)

Balloons on the ears!

Balloons tied to your ears:  To keep necks long, and ankles, knees, hips and shoulders over toes in releve, I ask my students to pretend they have balloons tied to their ears to keep them lifted up.

Thera-bands for Dancers, Part 3: Foot & Ankle Exercises

Exercise bands, Thera-bands or similar resistance training are often suggested for dancers to increase the strength with at-home practice.  What exercises should dancers do and what can be done safely at home, without a teacher to observe incorrect habits being formed?

We will be exploring these questions and more during our series:  Thera-bands for Dancers

Today's post is about foot exercises you can do in class or at home to improve your muscle strength.  Before you begin, remember to review our exercise tips.

Benefit to dancers: Improved foot articulation, strengthened point during all exercises, extra push during jumps, higher foot arch (posterior tibial muscle), toe flexors and extensors along with your ankle and calf muscles.

Toe Crawls**
Lay the band (you can also use a towel or piece of fabric) out away from your foot.  While standing or sitting, use your toes to "grab" and pull the fabric / band towards you.  Repeat for the full-length of the band.  You can also strengthen your toes by "grab" marbles or other small objects.

Toe Flexion**
Sit with your foot flexed.  Loop the band around your foot with one end under your heel and the other over your toes, pulling the ends towards you, creating resistance.  Slowly push with just your toes to a crunched position.  Repeat