Four Simple Exercises You Can Do to Promote Your Balance and Coordination
When you watch any dancer on stage, you will notice how balanced, focused, and coordinated they are. Not only do they master an entire dance routine down to each step of the choreography, but they manage to perform many moves and stay balanced the entire time. A huge trait of a successful dancer is having incredible core strength, which promotes balance within the body. Many of our dancers actively practice their balance and coordination with particular exercises that are incorporated in many dance practices and routines. At our dance studio in Apopka, we ensure that our dancers are equipped with the right training to stay safe and eliminate stresses on the body when they are dancing. There are a few simple exercises that you can do to promote your balance and coordination as you dance.
Balance on One Foot
This may sound difficult at first, but standing on one foot can help you find your center of balance. It can also promote coordination within your body and improve your focus. This is important when you first start out, you should hold onto the back of a chair in order to have additional support. Over time, you will likely be able to balance on one foot without any assistance. Take turns balancing on each foot for 10 seconds at a time.
Body Circles
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and focus on rotating your hips in a circular pattern. By making a circular motion with your upper body, you will strengthen your core and focus, which will prevent you from being jolted from sudden movements. Once you master this motion, close your eyes and continue the circular motion. It will be more difficult with your eyes closed, but it will continue to build your strength and balance.
Heel-to-Toe Walks
When you take a step, place your heel directly in front of the toe of your other foot. Then, pick up your other foot and put the heel in front of your other toes. Then, repeat this by alternating each foot. When you first start to practice this walk, you should hold onto a table or counter for support. Over time, you'll be able to focus and let go of this support. This will promote both your coordination and balance.
Balancing Reverse Lunges
Once you master the basics, you will be able to mesh both exercises and strength training. Balancing reverse lunges are great ways to work on both your core and leg muscles, which are essential in dancing. Take turns lunging your knees backward from your body until your knee is hovering inches about the floor. Bring your legs back together as you keep your knees bent, and alternate to the next leg. Repeat this for repetitions of 20 for best results.
These are a few of the exercises that you can do to improve your balance. Once have excellent core strength, you will then be able to focus on many of the other technical aspects of dancing. At our dance studio in Apopka, you will learn many types of dances and be provided with the training and attention you need to grow and develop as a dancer. Contact us to hear about our class schedule today.