Seven Core Strengthening Floor Exercises
By Ma * Shuqa Mira Murjan Video by Ma * Shuqa & Carl F . Sermon Photography
The term “ dance with the belly ” is referenced in many different languages because movements in belly dance relate to your torso . A strong core is a foundation that promotes posture for dance , spinal stability , and results in the stunningly elegant placement of the body in motion and results in exquisite , magnificent flow and poses . Belly dance requires centering with a deep and strong core that allows the dancer to create an interesting undulating movement that connects dance step combinations and creates flowing dance performance . Moving through space with ease requires a stable spine and pelvis to be able to perform challenging , emotionally exciting , and musically connected performance .
Creating Exciting Performance with Torso Power Deep Core Strengthening with Abdominal Bracing
Movements in belly dance include turns , isolations , abdominal body locks , side bends , and graceful torso undulations . All these movements require power through the torso . Therefore , strengthening your obliques refines body control for turns with graceful torso torque . The undulations of belly dance require support from the oblique muscles that also facilitate body isolations and specialized belly dance movements involving tucks and pops with the torso that mirrors musicality in Middle Eastern music . Dance movements that are musically connected are emotionally exciting performances to watch as dancers can move smoothly and powerfully with total body connectivity because they have a strong core that allows for controlled movement .
These core exercises are an enhanced version of the usual type of core strengthening exercises because they require a deep core muscle intensity called “ abdominal bracing ”. These core exercises are performed slowly while squeezing a soft ball or a foam block between your knees which helps you focus on stabilizing your core . The use of either a foam block ( as used in yoga ) or a soft child ’ s ball about 5 ” in diameter allows you to stabilize your core as you contract , brace your spine , and engage your leg , hips , and lower back muscles . Improving your core strength will enhance the controlled movement of your spine and torso .
All of these core strengthening exercises are done in a prone position lying on your back on the floor on a yoga
36 The Belly Dance Chronicles � September 2021