One Step at a Time

In my conditioning for dance class, our instructor is teaching us how to assess our gaits. Gait is the pattern of movement of our limbs. I found out there are so many potential problems related to my own gait. I have never been conscious of my own walking all my life. No wonder I am clumsy! For example, I lean more on my right side; I lock my knees; there is tension in my mid-back, etc.

Coincidentally, my horseback riding instructor has told me that my "seat" needed to be balanced. Otherwise, my horse will not be able to walk straight. The horses are such intelligent and sensitive animals that they can even sense our involuntary muscle. They will be the extension of our postures and movements.
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These lessons remind me of the concepts in Eckhart Tolle's book "The Power of Now".
Tolle pointed us to the truth of "all we have is now" and it is enlightening to be aware of the present moment.

So in order to develope healthy spine and gestures, I am learning to take "one step at a time" literally, now!

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I also experience this profound concept of engaging in the present moment as a musician. Music is the art of sound manifested through time. So whether I am practicing, performing or teaching, it is crucial for me to be present and be conscious of the moment.

Once a performance is over, we have left with the memory of it as an impression. Our art may seem elusive, but our ability to be a better musician rewards us at each present moment. We gain more awareness and insights, and a richer experience to draw upon, at each new opportunity.

During one interivew, the actress Jane Fonda was asked what was the most fulfiling moment in her acting career. She answered that it was when there was a especially demanding scene. All the spotlight was on her. Everyone was wondering whether she had the chops to pull it off...

And she nailed it. That was the moment for her.

Perhaps the true essence of great artists are not only what they have done, but also their consciousness of great work to be created, at the moment of now.

Conditioning for Dance

One of the curriculum for my summer school is "Conditioning for Dance", This class is offered to both dancers and non-dancers. It combines techniques and skills from dance, exercise and various body therapy programs such as pilates, yoga, Alexander, etc, to enhance flexibility, strength, postural alignment, balance, coordination, circulation, endurance, and movement memory.

We have to study the human anatomy. There are so many technical terms to memorize. I felt like I am reading a medical textbook.

My instructor Kathryn admires the human body. She said that the more she studies human anatomy, the more she is in awe with how splendidly we are created.

We had an assessment of our postures and our skeletal allignment in class the other day. Now I know what was out of alignment in my normal posture. Perhaps that is why I am so clumsy. I am on a mission to fight this annoying condition.

I can always spot the dancers in our class. Their bodies are lean and toned and they move confidently. Looking at them gives me motivation to improve my own.