Proper Body Alignment

Having proper body alignment is crucial for whatever you do in cheer and cheer dance. It is the foundation for any move you attempt. Below are tips for proper body alignment:

Lifted chin, elongated neck, eyes off the floor
Shoulders pressed naturally down and back
Rib cage closed, as if there was a corset laced together in front
Core muscles engaged (not sucking in – engage your abs like you’re about to be poked in the stomach)
Hips held even and level
Knees relaxed, not locked
Feet parallel or turned out (turnout comes from rotating from your hips, with your knees and toes pointing in the same direction)
Everything should be stacked directly on top of each other: Head, shoulders, ribs, hips, knees, ankles.

Proper body alignment not only helps your cheer and dance moves, it also helps you exude confidence in the rest of yourl ife. Whether you’re leading your teamin a cheer or leading the board room as an adult, good posture will help you own whatever stage your life puts you on!

Author, Gina Consumano, a DC-based dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She has earned her dance degree from the University of Virginia, where she was also a 4 year member of the dance team. As a dancer with DC-based Capitol Movement, Gina has performed on international dance tours partnered with Armed Forces Entertainment performing for military members and family throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Gina has many years of dance team experience, including 4 years on her college dance team and being a Head Instructor for UDA. She has also recently founded Vivace Dance for dance education, choreography, and performance in the DC area.

Forward it if you like it!

Varsity Cheerleading Academy

Address: Zhuguang Newtown International Center Block A, 4^th Floor

Qingyi Street No.1, Zhujiang Newtown

Tianhe District Guangzhou City.

(Metro Line 5, Exit D, next to Zhujiang Park)

Tel: 020-37031336

Website: www.varsity.com.cn

www.varsity.com

Wechat ID: varsitychina