Exercises to improve back movement

[pinkstuff]

I wasn't sure where to post this so please feel free to move to an appropriate place!

I'm wondering if anyone has any good exercise suggestions for upper back movement?  I tend to be very stiff in my upper back when dancing (and in general, mostly due to my mind working overtime), especially in latin and am trying to loosen.  I have made some progress but was wondering wether anyone has any good exercise suggestions.  At the moment I am just doing lots of basics eg rumba cucharachas/rocks and trying to relax & let my arms just do what ever they want as a result of movement - seems to help but was wondering if there was anything else that I could do?  Any ideas?

Thanks!

[QPO]

I am not 100% sure and I think someone one with sports training would give better suggestions. I hear that pilates is very good at using one of those big balls helps to strengthen the back..

[skipper]

Try to find a gyrotonics studio in your area. Maybe a yoga class? It doesn't have to be a dance--movement is just that movement.

[elisedance]

I wasn't sure where to post this so please feel free to move to an appropriate place!

[I looked around and realized we need a special place for this so I made you a new board ]

[MusicChica]

Have you tried thinking about it as isolating/moving your ribcage instead of your back?

[elisedance]

Have you tried thinking about it as isolating/moving your ribcage instead of your back?

great advice... I'm working on something similar in standard - identifying the 'magic spot' in the middle of my thoracic spine.  Its very much a ribcage and not back thing...

Try to find a gyrotonics studio in your area. Maybe a yoga class? It doesn't have to be a dance--movement is just that movement.

can you explain to us what gyrotronics is skp?

[MusicChica]

Well, the ribcage is a big part of initiating/creating hip movement in Latin...in terms of the muscles needed, strengthening your abs and obliques will help a lot.

Bob Fosse's choreography has some great examples of isolations, FWIW.

[elisedance]

Well, the ribcage is a big part of initiating/creating hip movement in Latin...in terms of the muscles needed, strengthening your abs and obliques will help a lot.

Bob Fosse's choreography has some great examples of isolations, FWIW.

Not a latin girl myself (did a bit a while ago) but good back action is often, at least to my eye, what distinguishes the very good from the great.

But can you please explain what/who Bob Fosse's choreo is?

[pinkstuff]

I wasn't sure where to post this so please feel free to move to an appropriate place!

[I looked around and realized we need a special place for this so I made you a new board ]

Thank you! 

[pinkstuff]

Have you tried thinking about it as isolating/moving your ribcage instead of your back?

Thanks!

Have made some, sort of progress, and essentially my back is really tight.  My new teacher spotted it straight away - think some of it is work related as well.  Anyhow, am practicing isolation of ribcage which is helping somewhat - going to be a long journey!!

[pinkstuff]

Try to find a gyrotonics studio in your area. Maybe a yoga class? It doesn't have to be a dance--movement is just that movement.

Thanks!

Am not sure what gyrotonics is??   But going to try pilates/yoga 

[skipper]

Gyrotonics is similar to pilates in that it has

#1 a tower
#2 a weight and pulley "system"

You should really Google it in your area and find an instructor. The patterns and things that you do help with core strength and rotation of th rib cage and back. When I finish I feel toned, lomg and loose all at the same time.

There is another system called M.E.L.T.--wonderful on the feet and good for "stacking" the body.

[samina]

Try to find a gyrotonics studio in your area.

i second that. gyrotonic is wonderful... "yoga for dancers". i have heard that slavik is a big gyro fan, and i would bet that many other top pros are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt9i5IYix5c

[pinkstuff]

Well if Slavik does gyrotonics, will be at the next class (althought doubt he will be local) 

[skipper]

Found a called gyrokinises - based on gyrotonics, but without the "tower".