KungFu & Dance

So I know its kind of weird that I study Kungfu and ballroom dancing as well, but there are some things I learn in both activities that apply to each other.  Weight distribution and orientation in the hips and feet is very similar.  Despite some of the fancy upper body stuff in dancing, the orientation of the spine (core) is what allows you to move efficiently both in marital arts and dancing.  Being physically relaxed and yet engaged also travels across both mediums.  And circles, both dancing and kung fu are all about circles. 

I think the one of the most important things that dancing has added to my kungfu is my awareness of foot work.  Feet were just something I used to stand on, all I really worked on was making sure my stances were technically correct.  Now my awareness of where I am putting myself in relation to my opponent and the footwork to make it all happen when practicing is so much better.  I actually feel it when I get it right.

One of the biggest negatives that has travelled from dancing to kungfu is my willingness to lift my heels off the floor and it shows now in some of my stances / kicks ... if you see me do this give me heck!  Smooth dances like the waltz & foxtrot have rise and fall in the feet and I am way too comfortable now with lifting my heels off the floor ... so I am constantly watching for this.

There are a number of kungfu things that don’t translate well to the dancing,   I struggle with straightening my leg (locking the knee), opening my arms into big sweeping gestures, lifting my chin and stretching the neck, arching my upper back, and pointing my toes ... the kung fu side of me is screaming nooooooo ..... 

Last Fridays black belt class was awesome, thank you Master Brinker .... I know sometimes you get frustrated and probably want to knock on my head and ask ‘hey is anybody in there listening’ and I guess Friday I was ready to ‘hear’ what you were saying about chi.  I am already practicing with this on the heavy bag and in my forms ... for me something just clicked.