How to Practice Becoming a Human Slinky

Offbeat, goofball acts are a constant in television, films, during halftime entertainment at sports events and of course, on YouTube. One of the more interesting acts is the human Slinky. A Slinky is a springlike children's toy, typically made of flexible wire. Its appeal lies in its ability to bend every which way and to travel from point to point in unusual ways. To become a human Slinky requires acquiring great physical flexibility and learning how to make the Slinky costume move appropriately.

Instructions

1. Do flexibility exercises. Yoga is the first to come to mind, but such exercise types as Pilates and gyrokinetics can also aid in increasing flexibility. If you already have had training in ballet, modern or jazz dance, you will already have a handle on how to stretch your muscles without injuring them and how to achieve your maximum level of flexibility. To be highly effective as a human Slinky ideally means being able to bend forward and backward as well as to each side. In addition, you should be able to achieve maximum range of motion for both arms and legs. Moreover, to be able to isolate the movements of your head, neck, ribs and hips will allow for greater freedom as you choreograph your routine.

2. Work on your strength and stamina. Performing human slinky routines means spending several minutes stretching your body to its maximum while inside a voluminous costume and possibly under hot lights. Yoga and dance classes are effective for increasing strength, but aerobic exercise, such as distance swimming or running, is also highly recommended.

3. Work on your turning, jumping and tumbling skills. Human Slinky practitioners often incorporate backward and forward somersaults, headstands and handstands into their fascinating routines. To keep up with the competition, become proficient at tumbling. Turns that travel -- such as chaine turns -- or do not -- such as pirouettes -- can add excitement to your program. Come up with stunts that have not been seen before. Perhaps tumblng-oriented break dance skills can set your act apart, for example. Maybe balletic grands jetes or hip-hop-style jumps and turns will help distinguish your act from others.

4. Work on manipulating the suit. Once you've got your body in condition, spend weeks, if not months or years, manipulating your slinky suit. You want to be able to move it as an extension of your arms, your legs and your trunk. You might also want to invent new ways of using your body to mimic the toy. Certainly, learning to spin, jump and tumble in the suit without tripping or awkward movement is a must.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice your human Slinky routine in small local forums, such as live talent shows or community cable programs. This kind of low-risk exposure gives you the chance to work out any kinks in your routine before you try to get bookings in wide-reaching media.

• Be sure you are capable of completing a routine under hot lights inside your suit. If you faint or become ill during a performance, you run the risk of losing future bookings.