“Definite stability is achieved only when the dancer realizes and feels the colossal part the back plays in aplomb. The stem of aplomb is the spine. The dancer should learn to feel and control her spine through observation of muscular sensations in the region of the back during various movements. When you manage to get the feeling of it, and to connect it with the muscles in the regions of the waist, you will be able to perceive this stem of stability.” - Basic Principles of Classical Ballet: Russian Ballet Technique of Agrippina Vaganova

“Stability & Aplomb” is the second in my podcast series on the Elements of Dance, where I’ll be explaining each Element, including The Body, Action, Shape & Shaping, Space, Time, and Quality/Energy and how I use them in choreography, criticism, teaching, and reflective practice.

Related YouTube Video soon to come: "Yoga for Integration - Bandhas & Kapalabhati Pranayama" 

Related Podcasts: 011: Creating Good Space: yogic sukha & sthira / steadiness & ease & 002: Finding a Centered State of Being

I have noticed in my work as a dancer and as a yoga practitioner that there are certain universal physical, anatomic, and kinesiological principles that help us to perform successfully, and there are therefore similar ways that we use the supportive musculature of the body to support our aims.

Of course the body works how it works and obeys physical laws, no matter what discipline we practice. I enjoy how the approaches, language, and visualization from different philosophies (including of course yoga and dance, which also take from other traditions and take diverse forms) can help create transformation and growth in our chosen areas of focus.

In yoga we use pranayama or breath techniques as well as asana or postures to develop stability and ease. In the Yoga Sutra Patanjali speaks of the necessity for both steadiness and ease, in our practice. In her manual of ballet technique, Vaganova includes  “Stability & Aplomb” in her basic elements of classical technique.

A key example is breath and core support, or integration of the systems of the body. One technique to support yoga practice and physical integration for dance and athletic endeavor is engagement of the Bandhas. Three of the most commonly applied bandhas are the Mula, Uddiyana, & Jalandhara, which together form the “master bandha,” the Maha Bandha. Bandhas fall under the larger classification of Mudras, which can be gestures or positions of the hands or other parts of the body, with bandhas specifically involving, engagement or “locks” of specific muscle groups.

How will you care for your body and foster integrity this week? For more, please visit me at ablythecoach.com