Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.
— Saint Francis de Sales
Whatever your feelings on basketball, one must admit the graceful game four tip-in by OG Anunoby of the champion New York Knicks was a beauty to behold. How a 6’7″, 240-pound human, with the game on the line and just seconds to go — while dashing down the court and out-leaping all others — manages to caress the ball up and into the basket, as if a delicate puff of air gently urged it…well, the physics of the situation, quite simply, seem unrealistic.
Proprioception — the awareness of where your body is in space — is key to such magnificent feats of bodily control. In an article on why proprioception matters, Evergreen Physical Therapy writes: “Proprioception encompasses a complex network of sensations, including perception of joint position and movement, muscle force, and effort.” The article lists two exercises that can help build better proprioception: Standing on one leg with your eyes closed (I can say from experience it’s best to do this near a wall), and balancing on uneven surfaces like a foam pad.
Coincidentally, I’ve been obsessed with two proprioception skills. Most recently, determining the precise amount of force it takes to close the doors and hatchback on my 2012 Prius with a satisfying click. Absolutely not an ounce more force than necessary, but enough to get the job done. Bringing this same curiosity to the dance floor, how can we share information, whether giving or receiving, with a partner in a manner which uses the proper amount of energy? Just as it’s easy to thoughtlessly slam the car door, it can be harmful to overwhelm our follow with force. Likewise, jamming communication while following, through lack of tone, rigidity or overreaction, can make subtle connection impossible.
More on this to come in a future article; meanwhile, practice precision proprioception on car doors and dance partners and let’s compare notes. Find plenty of upcoming dances, classes and special events where you can hone your skills at the online Dance Calendar.
See you on the dance floor —Sean Donovan