breathing while holding abs in latin posture

[euchoreo]

While I can handle most of the concepts of posture just fine (at least when stepping through things slowly during practice), I still struggle with one particular issue of "closing my rib cage" in latin dancing.

Namely, I don't think I do it really and certainly can't breath well while doing it. From what I understand, the idea is to pull the top row of the 6-pack into my center and cause tension in the horizontal band around that level. This is also somehow suppose to make it easier for me to use my ab separation between the chest and shoulders above and lower abs, lats, and hips below.

I can somewhat feel that the tightening of that ab muscle is separate from my breathing, but it still interferes with my breathing. Additionally, I don't think I'm quite "closing my rib cage" correctly.

Any comments would be really helpful.

[Angel HI]

From what I understand, the idea is to pull the top row of the 6-pack into my center and cause tension in the horizontal band around that level.Though a 10 dance coach, I specialize in latin, and never would I use the term "...cause tension in the horizontal band around that level..." There should be no tension there, as this is held by the obliques. Sorry if I am misunderstanding.

[Warren J. Dew]

I hadn't thought of that as latin posture especially, but if you use that posture you will need to breathe with your chest rather than your diaphragm. The breaths will not be full deep breaths, but rather somewhat shallower.

[chica latina]

I think about it as just closing my ribcage but keeping it soft and relax (no tension) so it the middle part is soft and flexible.. I dont feel having ribcage out or close have a big effect on my breathing.. but I recall from my pilates exercises that they say breathe by expanding east to west instead of up and down...

hope it helps

[Larinda McRaven]

Yes, you breathe sideways. Especially important for smooth/standard people with closed position.

[Br0nze]

My coach tells me that one must direct the breath not into the front of the body but into one's back, aiding to maintain that wide feeling that comes along with proper posture.

I guess the Sideways/"East to West" analogy Larinda & Chica prescribe is the best way to describe it.

He also tells me that this is true for both Standard and Latin dancing, and not just one style...

[latingal]

I also agree with this....have also been told this by an excellent pilates instructor.

[samina]

and was told same by a top coach... breath into the back & out the sides...

[Bailamosdance]

Threads like this are worth their weight in GOLD! Thanks all for these comments!!

[latingal]

*grin* yeah, it's great to find these little nuggets, isn't it?

[Benjy]

Also, I think it's worth noting that it has never seemed to me to be something you are doing correctly or incorrectly. It deserves to be worked on continuously, and it seems to be present in different degrees even at the highest level of dancer. The best dancers have the highest ribcages, and if you watch Bryan Watson, it doesn't look like he's doing anything at all... his ribs just sorta float super suspended off his hips.

On the other hand, there seems to be an on/off switch to whatever level of separation (or closure, whatever) that you have achieved. Either it's up, or it isn't, and when it goes mid dance, it's very obvious (at least to an external observer with a good eye and your partner, if not to yourself).

[euchoreo]

Yeah, I find that I tend to lose posture whenever I turn on the power in my dancing. I know it helps keep my upper body softer, so I really want to work on it.

Funny, I can't even feel the top row of my block of 6 visible ab muscles. I mean, they're there, but I can't make them do anything in isolation.

More practice. Just need more practice.

[Addicted2Rhinestones]

Can someone explain this concept of breathing sideways?

[chica latina]

The way we learn how to do it is by getting on a flat surface.. getting ribcage in and flat back and while keeping this posture try to have deep breaths and when inhaling visualize expanding sideways...

the more you do it, the easier it becomes and more natural..

[Br0nze]

Would standing against a wall and practicing the posture and breathing simultaneously be the best for that? I would imagine lying down on the floor and trying it would be slightly counter productive... :p

[TinyDancer109]

i would suggest starting on the floor until you understand the concept/feeling

[Addicted2Rhinestones]

Okay, I'm excited to try this when I get home tonight to see if I can figure it out. I have a huge problem of holding my breath when I dance :( We'll see how it goes...

[legato]

Thanks for the many helpful and useful comments! I've been stepping up the intensity of practicing standard rounds (just recently started competing) and had experienced new issues with breathing, especially if I tense up in the diaphragm through spins or other dynamics at the corners... and it is different to move out of a comfortable practice pace into full tempo. Breathing wide makes perfect sense. I also try to breath with the dynamic and direction of the pattern, the occasional successes feel wonderful. An inspiring :) thread...and my first post...sigh*

[latingal]

Welcome to DF legato!!!

[legato]

thanks for the welcome latingal, it so nice to be here! i'd been lurking for a while...

[latingal]

we love it when lurkers join in! hope we'll see you around the boards!

[Angel HI]

Ditto the welcome.