How to Do a Hinge in Jazz Dancing

A hinge is a dance move that requires strength, agility and practice. With a strong core and confidence, adding a hinge to your dance routine will add spice and variety to your dance routines. Perform hinges only after you have been properly instructed by a trained professional.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jazz shoes
• Comfortable clothing
• Instruction from a dance professional

1. Stand with your feet in second position. Place your arms straight above your head.

2. Pull up through your core. Pull your stomach in and up, push your hips forward. Pull up through your thighs. Hold all of your muscles tight in this position.

3. Slowly begin to arch your back. Bend your knees and roll onto the top of your feet.

4. Continue to hold your core firm and push your hips forward while you are falling forward.

5. Land on the floor with your knees, with your legs spread apart as you would for second position. Land with your back arched back as far as you can and your butt hitting the floor.

6. Have a dance instructor demonstrate a hinge before you attempt this advanced move. Let your instructor spot you until you are comfortable practicing a hinge on your own.

7. Keep a positive attitude and don't doubt your ability. Continue to practice until you can perform a hinge confident and flawless.

Tips & Warnings

• Start out doing a hinge from your knees. Dancers that incorporate hinge moves in their dancing will start from the kneeling position and rise to their feet.
• Never try to do a hinge alone, as you could hurt yourself.