Here are 5 key reasons why all dancers should work with the GYROTONIC®, regardless of their discipline.
As a classical ballet and contemporary dancer, with almost 18+ years under my belt (started super young like most of us), I thought it would be a great idea to share with all the dancers out there what my favorite benefits of GYROTONIC® are to helping your craft. Whether you’re a professional or just a casual taker of class, GYROTONIC® has some real positives for you. I’ve also included a really informative video at the end.
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Opening of the Hips (A.K.A. an easier turnout)
We all know forcing turnout isn’t great when trying to maximally achieve a desired position. The Gyrotonic Method helps you to find the correct initiation of turnout (top of the hips). Gyrotonic exercises work in both parallel and turned out which helps the body to further it’s potential of correct use. Not only is this good for performance but it’ll basically help you survive in the long run.
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To Move from the ‘Centre’
Gyrotonic is great for the core (abdominals and pelvic floor). There are many exercises that adhere to both strength and keeping your movement coming from the centre, or ‘seed centre’ as it’s called in this method. This is important because there is less strain on the rest of the body and the joints.
When I’m teaching dancers how to make use of Gyrotonic during class or even warming up, one of the biggest benefits is keeping the toes wide. Whether you’re en pointe or doing floor work, keeping the ankles heathy with Gyrotonic exercise and homework for warming up reduces the risk of injury and improves strength in the feet.
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Less Effort, More Power
You know that feeling of heaviness during or after class/ a performance? This is because we’re using way too much effort. Gyrotonic helps me to lengthen my muscles by using only what’s necessary. Therefore, I’m able to avoid overuse which enhances my performance (making me feel like a lean, mean, dancing machine).
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Use of Breath
One of the issues I see with dancers, particularly when learning complex phases, is remembering to breath properly. Gyrotonic focuses heavily on using the rhythm of the breath with movement. This means you’re able to use only the muscles you need to maintain fluidity.
Overall as a dancer and Gyrotonic instructor, I always make of use these benefits interchangeably both inside and outside the classroom. There are many more benefits, depending on they type of dancer you are and your needs. Most importantly, Gyrotonic can help you reduce or even prevent injury which is necessary for the length of your career.
I’d love to hear your comments on the above.
In the meantime, check out this great video from To-The-Pointe.Org on ‘Gyrotonic and Ballet’ with dancer, Adriana Suarez.
xo
This course combines the kinetic fundamentals of classical and contemporary dance with the movement principles of the Gyrotonic Expansion System. This course enables both the average student and the professional dancer to understand and develop dance technique from the inside out. This holistic approach to movement teaches better b
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