Home » Music » Classical Voice Training » POSTURE FLIRTING

POSTURE FLIRTING

© Roslind M. Sherman

POSTURE FLIRTING

" MEN'S/WOMEN'S NATURES ARE ALIKE, IT IS THEIR HABITS THAT CARRY THEM FAR APART " ... Confucious

Monkey see, monkey do ... Despite the millions of years of evolution ... WHO are we? WHAT are we? What does our MENTAL disposition say about us ?

Facial expressions, hand and arm movements, even the way we stand, all collectively dictate a message. This is ME and that is YOU.

The species ability to produce sound is the primal connection to what some might call the evolution of singing.

Our larynx has evolved into an highly sophisticated instrument capable of expressing our inner most emotions, ideas and glorious song. Equally vital to the quality of our vocal expression is our body language.

Singing etiquette outlines basic body alignment for free and easy singing. Some of these very basic elements have been forgotten giving way to what I call POSTURE FLIRTING.

These various aspects of weight distribution, feet placement, shoulder dipping, head and neck butting, all contribute the performer's stage nimbus or presence.

Here are the plain and simple basics for Vocal Etiquette:

1. Feet should be slightly apart, one alittle infront of the other. Which means that the body weight is budging forward. So find a stance that suites your particular body frame.

2. Knees should be loose, flexible, unlocked and slightly bent.

3. Pull torso up into an erect position so that the back is straight.

4. Think of a string attacked to the middle of your head that is gently lifting the head back and up toward the sky. You will feel a relaxation of tension in the neck vertebrae.

5. Gently roll your shoulders back and lower them into the upper respiratory region. Now you will feel space between each vertebrae .

6. While rocking the head forward and backwards and to each side , you will discover that your head will rest more comfortably when it is aligned, calmly into position. I liken it to puzzle placement. There is only one correct spot for a form fitting.

7. Hands and arms are normally held at your side while walking on stage.

The study of body language is not new, but the awareness of our non-verbal communications is. Many actors and singer have scrutinized this science in efforts to improve upon their own self body image.

Current posture sciences include, Chiropractics, Yoga, Feldenkrais Method, Tai Chi, Somatics, CranioSacral Theraphy , posture balls and Pilates. It's your choice.

Listen to that inner voice and START with self analysis workouts. Nobody knows you better than yourself. Take the time for personal grooming.

The copyright of the article POSTURE FLIRTING in Classical Voice Training is owned by Roslind M. Sherman. Permission to republish POSTURE FLIRTING in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.