“How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!
Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
Rivers and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside–
Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown–
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!” - Robert Louis Stevenson
"There are swings that are released down into gravity and swings that are released outward into centripetal and centrifugal trajectories. Gravity is a natural force, as is one of its outcomes: momentum. Gravity is in constant operation. The dancer must practice restraint rather than effort when he deals with this principle. In swings he sends the effort downward by releasing it. Gravity creates the downward pull. The resulting energy is the momentum derived from the release. One releases into gravity and one rides the momentum." (The Nikolais/Louis Dance Technique p.144)
Imagery, the Physical Forces involved, and Dance Movement Techniques of SWINGING! That’s what we’re exploring today in episode 66!
You can try a few types of legs swings with me in the videos “Sweet Leg Swings” (reclining on the floor) & “Sizzling Standing Leg Swings” and I'll be including many more resources in the blog at ablythecoach.com
Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach:
move through life with balance, grace, & power
DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.
