1 Using Breath

COURSE: Dancing to Delta Blues

FOCUS: This lesson focuses on using breath to create intimacy with oneself and move the body, with the goal of relaxing and exploring breath awareness before dancing.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Close your eyes and feel the breath expanding the rib cage and scapula.
• Keep the breath long during both inhale and exhale.
• Relax shoulders and arms, and avoid chewing on teeth.
• Send the breath to specific areas like one side of the ribcage or shoulder blades.
• Let the breath move the body without taking steps.
• Use a little shake to relax the shoulders.

REMEMBER:

• Stay in the intimacy of your breath to connect with yourself.
• Allow the breath to guide body movement naturally.
• Maintain relaxation in the mouth and body throughout the practice.
• Explore sending breath to different parts of the torso for awareness.
• Focus on breath as a tool for relaxation before physical steps.
• End the exploration by opening your eyes gently.