Top Tip： Grounding

COURSE: In the swing of it

FOCUS: This lesson focuses on grounding, teaching how to achieve it in the body by shifting energy and weight downward to improve balance and control in dancing.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Start by standing in an ungrounded military position, imagining being pulled up to feel lighter.
• Relax the shoulders, chest, legs, and feet to move the center from the chest to the belly area.
• Touch the floor with every part of the foot and let your full body weight go down into the ground.
• Breathe into the belly to help relax and connect down into the ground.
• Practice grounding with a partner in close embrace to feel the tactile difference.
• Try a game where one person grounds themselves to become heavier and harder to lift.

REMEMBER:

• Grounding is about where you hold your energy and body weight, not about bending your knees.
• Being ungrounded can cause balance and control issues in dancing.
• Grounding improves balance, control over movements, and timing, especially with slow music.
• It may take time to incorporate, but practice will help you feel the difference.