need some help getting rid of a bad habit in Cha Cha Cha

[dragon3085]

Recently I have noticed I have developed a bad habit in Cha Cha, The best way to describe is that I've taken to imitating rib isolation with shoulder shrugs. And it gotten really noticeable. Now me and my instructor can fix when we are together, but I usually only have time for one private a week, and right we have a salsa and samba routine to get together. So now on to the point of this message. :twisted: Can anybody suggest a exercise or drill that can be done solo to help get rid of this habit? Something I can do at home or at work, ( I have a huge data center to myself)maybe?

Thanks
Pat

[delamusica]

Try hanging something sort of heavy from your shoulders (ex., a pair of sneakers with the laces tied together - that'd be two pairs total, one for each side) and do some basic actions (no spinning, obviously!). The extra weight on your shoulders should make you more aware of when you're shrugging them.

If you've got mirrors around, try doing everything really, REALLY slow, and watch yourself for when they start to rise.

[pygmalion]

Sorry to say, shoulder shrugs are very noticeable and distracting to your partner, so I'm glad you're aware and working on it.

My suggestion is to consciously relax your shoulders all the time, not just when you're dancing. My guess is that you're like me -- with tensed shoulders all the time. If you are, I don't know if it's realitsic to expect your shoulders to relax automatically while you're dancing. Consciously think about relaxing them all the time -- while you're driving, while you're sitting at your desk, etc. I bet your dance posture will improve. :wink: :D

[msc]

Pull the shoulders down with the lat muscles, and get used to that having that feeling throughout the dance. Also, make sure any rib movement is initiated from the bottom rib.

[chachagirlie]

Hi Pat!

Perhaps you need to force your attention on your center and practice a basic using the following isolation exercise:

Try folding your arms across your chest so that your left hand is holding the bottom of your right rib cage and your right hand is holding the bottom of your left rib cage. This should naturally force your shoulders done and also alow you to learn to "tick" properly.

By practicing basic movements in this position you should be able to rid yourself of the shoulder shrugs.

Of course you will not be able to work on arm styling, but that is the point. Any arm styling should be connected with the center movement.

Just my 2 cents... :D

[dragon3085]

Hi Pat!

Perhaps you need to force your attention on your center and practice a basic using the following isolation exercise:

Try folding your arms across your chest so that your left hand is holding the bottom of your right rib cage and your right hand is holding the bottom of your left rib cage. This should naturally force your shoulders done and also alow you to learn to "tick" properly.

By practicing basic movements in this position you should be able to rid yourself of the shoulder shrugs.

Of course you will not be able to work on arm styling, but that is the point. Any arm styling should be connected with the center movement.

Just my 2 cents... :D

So basically your hugging yourself? I just noticed trying it out that its kinda of impossible to shrug your shoulders in that position. Someone should write a book or website with little tips like these. In martial arts we have tons of books and videos that are nothing but tip on how to improve a certain technique or body movement. Dancers would, I think, benefit from something similiar as well.

Thanks Again,
patrick

[chachagirlie]

dragon 3085 writes:
So basically your hugging yourself?

Yes...of course it is a very low hug and your hands are very lightly resting on your lower ribs.

You can futher accentuate pulling your shoulders down by pressing downward toward the floor with the arm that is folded on top of the other ...don't know if you are a righty or lefty :).

[delamusica]

be sure to keep your shoulders pulled BACK, though, if you're doing the arms-crossed-rib-hugging thing - I just tried it to see how it felt and it seemed like it pulled my shoulders forward and made me hunch a little if i wasn't careful!

[dragon3085]

Hi Pat!



Just my 2 cents... :D

Someone should write a book or website with little tips like these. In martial arts we have tons of books and videos that are nothing but tip on how to improve a certain technique or body movement. Dancers would, I think, benefit from something similiar as well.

Thanks Again,
patrick

Actually coming to think of it, since I have my own domain and website. I could put something like a web page together. HOw about it, would you guys be up to sending me your tips and tricks for all dances(except line and techno_-Hey is my site I get to draw the lines. :twisted: ) and I will put together a page, that I am thinking will go something, dance related exercices and stretchs and tips to improve your technique. What do you guys and gals think?

Pat