POSTURE FLIRTING - Page: 3

" MEN'S/WOMEN'S NATURES ARE ALIKE, IT IS THEIR HABITS THAT CARRY THEM FAR APART " ... Confucious

Monkey see, monkey do ... Despite the millions of years of evolution ... WHO are we? WHAT are we? What does our MENTAL disposition say about us ?

Facial expressions, hand and arm movements, even the way we stand, all collectively dictate a message. This is ME and that is YOU.

The species ability to produce sound is the primal connection to what some might call the evolution of singing.

Our larynx has evolved into an highly sophisticated instrument capable of expressing our inner most emotions, ideas and glorious song. Equally vital to the quality of our vocal expression is our body language.

Singing etiquette outlines basic body alignment for free and easy singing. Some of these very basic elements have been forgotten giving way to what I call POSTURE FLIRTING.

These various aspects of weight distribution, feet placement, shoulder dipping, head and neck butting, all contribute the performer's stage nimbus or presence.

Here are the plain and simple basics for Vocal Etiquette:

1.Feet should be slightly apart, one alittle infront of the other. Which means that the body weight is budging forward. So find a stance that suites your particular body frame.

2. Knees should be loose, flexible, unlocked and slightly bent.

3.Pull torso up into an erect position so that the back is straight.

4.Think of a string attacked to the middle of your head that is gently lifting the head back and up toward the sky. You will feel a relaxation of tension in the neck vertebrae.

5.Gently roll your shoulders back and lower them into the upper respiratory region. Now you will feel space between each vertebrae .

6.While rocking the head forward and backwards and to each side , you will discover that your head will rest more comfortably when it is aligned, calmly into position. I liken it to puzzle placement. There is only one correct spot for a form fitting.

7.Hands and arms are normally held at your side while walking on stage.

The study of body language is not new, but the awareness of our non-verbal communications is. Many actors and singer have scrutinized this science in efforts to improve upon their own self body image.

Current posture sciences include, Chiropractics, Yoga, Feldenkrais Method, Tai Chi, Somatics, CranioSacral Theraphy , posture balls and Pilates. It's your choice.

Listen to that inner voice and START with self analysis workouts. Nobody knows you better than yourself. Take the time for personal grooming.

" It does not matter how slowly you go , so long as you do not stop ".

Frederick Matthias Alexander is a perfect example of successful self-observation and study. Find a copy of the Alexander Technique Manual by author, Richard Brennan.

Here you will begin to understand, " Alexander's own discoveries about himself and the way he developed this method of teaching other people".

Image is the number one factor, contributing greatly to your intimate stage persona. HERE I AM !!! HERE I COME !!! LOOK AT ME !!! No vanity allowed... PLEASE.

But when you look in the mirror what do you see, Snow White , or the Wicked Step-mother, Prince charming or the Hunchback of Notre Dame ?

Most importantly which one do you chose to be ? Well, let me see ... Who is standing the straightest? Who's chin and pelvic tilt are in perfect alignment? Who's shoulders gracefully create that perfect V appeal? Who is qualified to judge you?

You do not have to be a perfect specimen to be a charismatic performer or person. However it is imperative to consider the indispensable role of body language in the performing arts. So observe yourself and your surroundings. Remember that " nothing is stronger than habit ". Ask yourself, What can I change or TRY to do better? Who Knows?

The Mirror knows ... Heavens, it wasn't discovered for nothing ... LOOK AT YOURSELF. Utilize the mirror as a tool ... HMMMM, not too bad, especially when you stand with your head, shoulders and derriere right against it.

Can you feel the backbone lifting and straightening. Do your neck and shoulders feel alittle uncomfortable?

Here are a few of my, " YOW " exercises, they are simple but effective ways to correct POSTURE FLIRTING in performance.

1. Stand two- four inches away from the wall.

2.Lean back and rest your derriere against it( tilting just alittle ).

3.Lift your shoulders up then roll back to touch shoulder blades against the solid surface.

4. Bring your head back to also touch the wall.

When in this position, the shoulder and neck muscles seem alittle STRESSED, so pull your weight firmly into the cradle of your feet, drop the shoulders ( still in rolled back position). Do you feel the special space shifting vertebrae by vertebrae in the neck?

Oh !!! Keep that derriere relaxed and slightly tucked and tilted. What a feeling !!! What a release!!!

Practise infront of a mirror several times daily . Experiment and be patient with your body, afterall it took twenty or thirty years to get yourself into the wrong body habits.

Study performers such as Charlie Chaplin, John Wayne, Katherine Hepburn, Joan Sutherland, Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman any performer whom you may admire. Wait a minute!!! What I really want to say is ... Choose a person, who's persona is all summed up in their posture on stage.

Try to determine what makes him/her different, nine out of ten times it will be the charismatic body language combined with their effortless shining talents.

Gifted singers, players and actors are not born. Talented individuals study and grow within their attributes to enhance what genius' they may possess.

Professionals acknowledge that posture is directly related to our quality of breath, sound and body functioning.

Proper posture exemplifies a certain disciplined character trait that radiates confidence, which inturn shines from the inside out. The creative out pouring of it's scintillatting individuality spills into the footlights of performance.

The audience is AWE struck and has no choice but to recognize the brilliance and APPLAUD the illuminating, artistic presence. Posture is STAR material.... BRAVO

" THE CAUSE IS HIDDEN, THE EFFECT IS VISIBLE TO ALL " ... Confucious