Dancing with the stars

Dancing can be fun, even when you haven't done it for 3 years.

Recently, Sandra and I rejoined the Melbourne Colonial Dancers in Collingwood. Smiling faces greeted us.

I was intent on applying the idea from Alexander Technique to “think up” and to look out at eye level. As a result, I was less focused on my feet.

Skilled Irish or flamenco dancers move their feet rapidly with the head almost motionless because they are “up” in the clouds. Thinking that way really does help, even for novices.

Dancing in 2011. I'm in light blue top.

Listening to the music made it easier to anticipate likely steps, without jumping in too quickly. Using peripheral vision and being very aware of the other dancers is important.

After several dances, my left leg was dragging slightly. I had broken that leg as a teenager, and it was in plaster for months. I was consciously asking for length up the left leg and body. But old habits tend to become stronger as we tire.

After making changes to my daily exercise routine, the leg problem has virtually disappeared. A few weeks ago, we danced all night at the Colonials 40th anniversary ball.

You are welcome to join us in Collingwood every Wednesday. Check out the Melbourne Colonial Dancers.

How far can you safely reach?

I bought a fruit juice today, freshly squeezed in a big bench top machine.

The attendant had to reach a long way to put the fruit in.
Her arm was at full stretch.

I watched her a few times, and then offered a suggestion.

“Pull the machine closer and rotate it a little - so the ‘fruit’ hole is no further away than the cup that collects the juice."

The aim - much shorter arm movements.

She asked me “are you a chiropractor?” We both laughed as I explained a little about Alexander Technique.

Most people simply don't notice how their work setup affects their movements or posture, even if they suffer pain.

Three tips for using your mobile phone well

He says "yes" to all three questions

Using a mobile phone causes problems with posture unless you are very mindful. This also applies to using a laptop.

Observe yourself 

1. How much do you hunch over?
2. Do you crane forward from the base of the neck?  
3. Do you then pull your head back a little or a lot?

Three tips on what you can do

1. Think about being long up the front of your body. Stop if you start to become rigid in the front or back.
2. Practice nodding with very little movements - as though you are acknowledging what a friend is saying. Notice that your head pivots roughly at your ear lobes. 
3. Imagine shining a torch from your forehead. Initially straight ahead. Now angle the beam down towards your phone (thanks to Rossi for this idea).

Much better!

Next step?
Simple ideas, yes. Putting them together can be tricky.

If you use the phone or laptop a lot, why not get it right now?

Set yourself on the right path and:

• initiate a class with me where you work or live, 
• book private lessons with me 
• organise a skype session

In another post, I’ll look at arm and back issues with the mobile phone

Other relevant posts
Slumping and your ribs at work
Is your head well balanced?
Look up and down with ease


Some recent research
Johnson et al. (2011). Technique, muscle activity and kinematic differences in young adults texting on mobile phones. Ergonomics,  Vol.  54 Issue 5, pp. 477-487.

Strakera et al. (2008) A comparison of posture and muscle activity during tablet computer, desktop computer and paper use by young children. Ergonomics,  Vol.  51 Issue  4, pp. 540-555.

Everyone is welcome
Introductory workshop 

Applying Alexander Technique
Learn how to use your body naturally, using the right amount of effort

“Things happen without you trying. They get to be light and relaxed. 
You must get an Alexander teacher to show it to you” (John Cleese)

6 - 7 pm Wednesday 29th October
Alphington Community Centre, 2 Kelvin Rd
(near Alphington train station and shops).
Entry fee - a small donation on the night to Journeys for Climate Justice.