Avoiding Injury From Belly Dance: Posture And Such

» ghaziya - Posture And Such

Thank you both for launching this discussion!

Lorienna, I agree with you that posture is a very personal thing. The pelvic triangle image was taught by the Pilates methodology. I think a lot of people stand with their triangle angled toward the floor behind them a bit, due to the high heels influence.

I don't actually find that the triangle image works for me--the imagery that works for me is thinking of elongating my lower back as much as possible. I guess imagery is an individual thing to, eh?

And Lorienna, you are not alone -- MANY people overextend their backs when told to stand up straight! That's why I'm careful to NOT use that terminology--instead, when I teach I use the puppet string analogy, which seems to be more effective at getting the response I want.

I wonder if the dancer you're describing is Fahtiem. I've never noticed her posture so I don't know whether she arches her back, but she's a WONDERFUL dancer. She specializes in FANTASTIC abdominal isolations. Another truly inspirational dancer who has a very pronounced arch in her back is Delilah. I guess some people can do it without injury, but I also know people who HAVE injured themselves through the arched posture, so I'm always careful to correct it in my students.

-- posted by ghaziya