Question for standard ladies about pulling in stomach

[classydancer]

I had a lesson with my coach the other day and he said we’re going to start working on my core. When I move backward, he wants me to pull stomach back and up. He says this helps my partner go around me and - though he didn't say it directly - I think it's supposed to help stabilize my abdomen and back. Other ladies who dance standard, have you been told this as well? Do you really pull your stomach in and up every time you move backward? Does it help with the dancing?

 

[ProgressNotPerfection]

I had a lesson with my coach the other day and he said we’re going to start working on my core. When I move backward, he wants me to pull stomach back and up. He says this helps my partner go around me and - though he didn't say it directly - I think it's supposed to help stabilize my abdomen and back. Other ladies who dance standard, have you been told this as well? Do you really pull your stomach in and up every time you move backward? Does it help with the dancing?

Not just every time I move backward, but 100% of the time, all the time, at all times, no matter what. And I’m not joking. You’re correct that it helps stabilize you, among numerous other benefits. It takes a lot of work and practice. I am trying to develop the habit of holding my stomach in and up at all times, period, even when I’m not dancing. And it’s a challenge!

 

[wahoo_foxtrot]

I have been told to do that for a long time... Tried to work in thousands of ways but my center never really moves as it supposed to from my instructor's POV... Recently my body finally clicked!!! Now after 12 counts (two sets of feather and three) I am already exhausted

Can't complain. It is a happy problem to have

 

[fascination]

in a word, yes...and always

 

[classydancer]

I hold it up (or try to) all the time., not just when going back.
I feel like my navel is linked diagonally up and back to the interior and center of my shoulder blades.

If your teacher is emphasizing it when you go back it is probably because in order to back up you release your hips back which pushes your belly forward.

Yes, you are exactly right. He’s been telling me that my hips go backward and stomach goes forward. ‍

Not just every time I move backward, but 100% of the time, all the time, at all times, no matter what. And I’m not joking. You’re correct that it helps stabilize you, among numerous other benefits. It takes a lot of work and practice. I am trying to develop the habit of holding my stomach in and up at all times, period, even when I’m not dancing. And it’s a challenge!

It IS hard. I feel confused when I try to move and keep my hips still and abdomen in at the same time, which is why I was wondering if it was for real...if this is what standard ladies are actually doing. And the answer seems to be yes. So I’ll keep at it.

Thank you @Larinda and @ProgressNotPerfection for sharing your experience and knowledge on this.

 

[classydancer]

You’re correct that it helps stabilize you, among numerous other benefits.

What other benefits have you noticed?

 

[ProgressNotPerfection]

What other benefits have you noticed?

Strengthening my abdominal muscles took a lot of pressure off my lower back, so there’s less back pain. Keeping my tummy muscles constantly engaged helps me maintain good posture.

Also, I dance American smooth and rhythm, not Standard, but the principles are the same in all styles.

 

[Enjouee]

I would think that engaging your core also helps to improve balance.

 

[ProgressNotPerfection]

I would think that engaging your core also helps to improve balance.

DEFINITELY!!!

 

[ProgressNotPerfection]

There is some useful information here.

 

[classydancer]

So how does breathing work while holding in your abdomen?

 

[fiesta0618]

So how does breathing work while holding in your abdomen?

The primary muscles for breathing are the diaphragm and rib intercostals, while the primary muscles for posture are the abdominals and erector spinae. So no conflict there--both sets can do their jobs without interfering with one another.

Volume-wise, breathing ideally uses rib cage expansion rather than abdomen expansion. This can take some getting used to; it is easy to habitually *not* use the rib intercostals, especially given how sedentary most of us are, and when we do this our belly expands instead of our ribs Yoga breathing exercises are a decent way to learn this.

 

[worddancer]

So how does breathing work while holding in your abdomen?

You don't breathe as fully as when the abs expand.
Instead the upper ribs are what expand.

 

[albydancer]

Hi, nice to met you for all,
I’m Alberto, ballroom teacher from Italy, My English is not perfect but I hope you understands
So the center and the core is one of the most important thing for both mans leadys, I think you have possibility to do pilates it will be great.
you need to keep core strong for yourself and up, and it s improve stability comunication and correct transfer of weight from leg
To leg.
have a good dance

 

[dancepro]

Sounds like he may have been teaching you about Mobility which is 1 of the Responders/Lady’s 4 jobs. When moving back after the down, we do indeed use our center 2 to initiate the movement or 1st part of Mobility. Center 2 is the bellybutton.
If you want to practice this movement go grocery shopping with a shopping cart. You do use that same movement when going backwards with the shopping cart.