I stand firmly on the concept of Opposition as I teach dance technique of any and every genre. "When you reach right, pull the torso left... Contract in, but pull up... If energy wants to go out, it's got to come in... Push AND pull...Melt AND grow..." The techniques found in opposition are endless; or should I say, limitless. I most often refer to Opposition when teaching the fine art of balance. Every dancer must master the technical beauty and peace of a clean, suspending releve. Everything in movement builds from proper alignment and balance.
From the youngest of dancers, I teach balance the same. "Lengthen and lift the lower torso and hip flexors, and focus on what is above and what lies below. The back of the neck lengthens up and into the open space, while the tail/leg/feet (depending on the movement) reach down INTO the floor. Not ON the floor...IN the floor." The best imagery is that of a tree's root system. We can all envision the intricate and winding roots burrowing their way into the earth in order to hold the tree firmly in place, no matter the obstacle it confronts. The same is true in Dance. The same is true in Science (Newton's Laws of Motion: "equal and opposite reaction"). The same is true in Life.
When the storms of life come howling, don't forget your roots. When it is taking all your energy just to stand firm, plant your feet on what you know is stable. When it is time to test your boundaries, remember where you came from. When you feel inspired to reach further and discover your confidence, keep stretching back to not lose hold of your humility. By all means, keep your height and be seen, but don't lose yourself. Remember what holds you steady. Don't forget your roots... the storm will pass.
And you will still be standing.
From the youngest of dancers, I teach balance the same. "Lengthen and lift the lower torso and hip flexors, and focus on what is above and what lies below. The back of the neck lengthens up and into the open space, while the tail/leg/feet (depending on the movement) reach down INTO the floor. Not ON the floor...IN the floor." The best imagery is that of a tree's root system. We can all envision the intricate and winding roots burrowing their way into the earth in order to hold the tree firmly in place, no matter the obstacle it confronts. The same is true in Dance. The same is true in Science (Newton's Laws of Motion: "equal and opposite reaction"). The same is true in Life.
When the storms of life come howling, don't forget your roots. When it is taking all your energy just to stand firm, plant your feet on what you know is stable. When it is time to test your boundaries, remember where you came from. When you feel inspired to reach further and discover your confidence, keep stretching back to not lose hold of your humility. By all means, keep your height and be seen, but don't lose yourself. Remember what holds you steady. Don't forget your roots... the storm will pass.
And you will still be standing.
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