Look Better on the Dance Floor

Proper body alignment and posture are essential to successful ballroom dancing. Professional ballroom dancers know that good posture is one of the most important aspects of partner dancing. Correct body alignment makes dancers appear more elegant and confident. It also improves overall balance and body control. Judges of ballroom dancing competitions consider a dancer's posture as one of the most important aspects in overall performance.

In order to achieve correct posture and body alignment, begin by studying professional dancers. Observe how the following body parts are properly aligned:

• The head is upright with eyes straight ahead.
• The chin is parallel to the floor.
• The shoulders are wide and relaxed.
• The neck is long and stretching upward.
• The chest is vertically aligned with the hips.
• Body weight is distributed evenly between the feet, and kept slightly forward.

If you practice dancing with correct posture and body alignment, your dancing will become more and more comfortable. Your partner will benefit as well, as your body will be easier to connect to during certain dances.