How to Gain Body Control in Dancing

Body control is an element every serious dancer should master. Once you attain body control, you can add moves and broaden your choreographic choices. Even if you just want to dazzle your friends on the dance floor of a local club, enhanced body control can make you a better performer. Watch videos breakdancers to get a good idea of what this body style should look like when executed properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Do some preliminary stretches to loosen the body and prepare for dancing. Concentrate on loosening the hip joints and shoulders, the body parts that need the most control during a dance.

2. Find music with a definitive beat, such as hip hop, or even 80's retro music. Position the bottom part of your body in one place, while only moving your upper body from side to side. Concentrate on keeping your hips and legs firmly in place while maintaining fluidity in the upper body.

3. Reverse the control, and move your hips while keeping your upper body in a frozen position. Isolate the muscles in the shoulders and chest to prevent them from moving while trying to achieve maximum fluidity in your lower body.

4. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 while isolating other, various parts of the body and moving others fluidly. Practice in front of a full length mirror, and take note of body parts that seem to be uncomfortable or out of place during the movement. Being aware of how your body moves can help you to control it while you dance.

5. Take classical dance classes that emphasize control over the musculature of the body. Try muscle isolating exercise routines, such as yoga and pilates, to become more attuned to the way your body moves.