You’ll notice many dancers have their own interpretation of what “standing straight” is, with varying degrees of hip bend. Some stand super straight with their hips right under. Some are almost straight with a very slight forward lean with the torso, and some practically stick their hips out from behind as their torso leans forward (sometimes with a back arch, sticking the chest out).
I like this drill the best for figuring out your ideal torso angle:
- Stand straight and extend one leg behind you as far as you can. Also extend the ankle and point your toes out as far as you can.
- What we’re looking for is engagement (the “burn”) in your glute muscles.
- Try extending your leg out from these 3 positions: torso straight up, torso leaning forwards, torso leaning backwards. (It’s important to keep your torso straight, and bend only at the hip joint.)
You’ll notice if your torso is leaning back slightly, it’s impossible to extend your leg out behind you. If your torso is leaning forward slightly, the leg extends easily but you don’t feel the burn in your glute muscles. If your torso is straight up, you’ll be able to extend the leg AND feel the burn in your glute muscles.
The idea is simple…if you’re able to engage your glute muscles, you’ll be able to push the ground with more force and walk/move more powerfully. Your partner will also be able to feel your strength and lead/follower you easier.
With that said, there are 2 most commonly used positions: one is torso straight up and the other is torso slightly forward. Any position can work AS LONG AS YOU ENGAGE YOUR GLUTE MUSCLES.