The Making of a Dancer

What makes a dancer? Here are 10 theory points that we feel are key to the making of a successful dancer at Sugar Land Dance Center.

1.  Correct Placement:   back lengthened, tummy up, ribs pushed up not out, body supported yet relaxed.  Vital for steps of elevation, balance, and turns.

2.  Weight is always centered.    Whether on both or one foot, flat, 3/4 rélevé or pointe.  Body weight rests on bone structure with the muscles holding the bone structure in place.  Energy must be equally divided between the supporting leg and the working leg.

3.  Always pulling or pushing into floor.  Knees are pulled bent and pushed straight.  The body is always pushed straight up and pulled straight down.

4.  Both feet work together.  Feet pull together and push away from each other.  Arms also work together.  Upper body and lower body work together for coordination.

5.  All movement starts from the floor or base and is successive.  From floor or base up through body and arms.  Arm movements are also successive and are activated when the successive movement reaches the chest area.

6.  Resistance.  Resist the floor or base.  Arms resist space.  There is also resistance within the body itself.  The body is held in one piece. 

7.  Up out of hips at all times. The spine must support the body.  Do not sag into the hips, drop the back, or push down into thighs.  Both sides must be lifted at all times.

8.  Three points of contact:  Big toe, little toe, and heel whether on both or one foot, flat, half pointe, or pointe.

9.  Be aware of body and dance in a body direction. Be aware of what all the body is doing and how it feels, aware of other dancers and your relationship to them.  Dance with awareness of your corners at all times.

10. Muscles always lengthened.  Avoid tightening muscles, they will tighten of their own accord.  No tension.  Tension destroys balance and weakens movement.

Total dance is made up of theory, technique, and theater and contains love, vitality, and serenity.

Freedom of movement comes from the complete mastery of the body.  There is no freedom without discipline and control.