Using the block as a great prep to engage our side body for Barrel Turns and Ribcage Rotations. I really like this exercise because it gives you a great visual of "pulling yourself away from something" to help get more contraction!
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OK, this is one I just couldn't hold back any longer. In this video, we use the block to check in with arm placement in the Egyptian!! Are you a football player or a dancer? The block reveals all!! 

One of my favorite slow moves!! The barrel turn often gets “cut off” in the back with arms not making the full barrel and turning into wide open goal posts. This block party trick will help you bring those arms closer and really find the full beauty of the movement!
PLUS, a second video with some friends!!

Last year I posted a quick little video that was similar, but without sound and with a lot of silly kitten! Now that you've been working on feeling grounded, balanced and have had some taxeem prep, this drill should be super helpful for really getting into the picky technique of the taxeem! 
Already feel good about the taxeem? Well, this one is also GREAT to work on the walking taxeem!!

Taxeem Prep!!!!! Something I want to reiterate is that you can practice a movement a million times, but if your body is adequately prepared.... you'll reach your dance goals so much faster and more efficiently.
We don't have a lot of time in our weekly dance classes to go into a lot of preparation or picky technique, so it's really important that if you want to progress or dance on a more professional level, that you work on these things outside of class.
Below is a torso elongation exercise that is perfect to prepare us for taxeem!! Not only are we completely balanced on one leg (more on that later), we are creating space in our side body to get that longer torso look that makes the movement bigger while maintaining the isolation. 
Remember, the balance of strength and flexibility is essential for dance!!
Try it out and let me know what you think!!

Moving up the body a little, I wanted to add in some stretches you can be doing to prep for upcoming drills. This one feels SO good! I have a lot to share about the psoas muscle, but for now, I just want you to enjoy this feeling. If it's too much, just remove the block or prop your feet on a rolled blanket. 
Psoas release can be intense so move slow! Reach out with any questions. 

The Camel Step has very specific foot positions, but I rarely see it executed properly. Even when it's broken down, often it's still incorrect. I really think it's because some people have difficulty with realizing where their feet are because they are so focused on the arms.
In this drill, we use our block as a "home base" so we know and can feel exactly where our feet should be throughout the movement.
Have fun with this one! Just focus on the feet for now, the upper body can be added once you are feeling confident with the foot positions. :)

Firm, grounded foundation is everything! We're starting at the feet and working our way up!
Don't forget to comment, share, post and tag! I want to hear from you! Plus.... it's just a fun and different way to practice! Enjoy!

What are yoga blocks and how will we use them in our ATS® Block Party? This video explains a little about how to chose your yoga block and various ways we will use them :)

I LOVE Skiball!
​I think its because you can rack up tickets pretty quick! The more tickets you get, the better the prizes!

ATS® Block Party is setup in a very similar way! Rack up tickets by sharing various things on social media.....the more tickets you get, the bigger the prizes!

Rules: All posts must have #ATSBlockParty AND tag the ‘DeAnna Freeman and Prana Dance Company’ Facebook Page. This is how I'll find them. One entry per ATS® Block Party blog post. 

GAME TICKETS:
5 tickets -  Post a photo of yourself having an ATS® Block Party! 
10 tickets - Post a video of yourself having an ATS® Block Party!
20 tickets - Post a video fo you and at least two friends having an ATS® Block Party!

All these tickets get tallied up by June 3rd and winners will be contacted by June 5th!

PRIZES:
10 tickets - One entry into a drawing to win a one hour private lesson.
20 tickets - Prana pin, two entries into a drawing to win a one our private lesson PLUS one entry into a drawing to win a 6 week online session
100 tickets - Prana Prize Pack (box full of party prizes and Prana gear), PLUS two entries to win a 6 week online session and FIVE entries to win a one hour private lesson.

Private lessons are with DeAnna and via Skype or in person. Lesson can be dance or yoga focused.

BUT, above all....HAVE FUN!! I really just want to share these things with the community and get some interaction with everyone :) I'll handle the tallying of prizes, you just have fun and join the party!

PARTY ON!!!!!!