The GYROTONIC® method for Ballroom and Latin American dancers.
My name is Maurizio Chisari and this is the first article of my blog on the website of my new studio of the GYROTONIC® method in Sydney, Australia.
I know my name doesn't sound Australia, in fact I'm Italian (Sicilian to be exact) and was born and raised in the wonderful city of Catania.
First of all I decided to talk about the possible relationship between GYROTONIC® and Dance Sport then Ballroom and Latin American dances because this is my personal and family background, in fact I was born in a family of dancers to parents who were dance teachers.
I started from the Juveniles category as a competitor and I danced until I was about thirty. I was the Italian champion of Latin American dances as a Juniores with Italian Dance Sport Federation and then alternately I danced in various international competitions up to the professional category with several international partners. In 2008 I met the GYROTONIC® method and my professional life and vision of movement has definitely changed.
What is GYROTONIC®?
To better explain it, I prefer to report the official description provided by https://www.gyrotonic.com
"The GYROTONIC® method is an original and unique movement method that addresses the
entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion and creating
functional strength.
GYROTONIC® exercise sequences are composed of spiraling, circular movements which flow together seamlessly in rhythmic repetitions with corresponding breath patterns. Each movement flows into the next allowing the joints to move through a natural range of motion without jarring or compression. These carefully crafted sequences create balance, efficiency, strength and flexibility. "
The body is naturally designed to work as one harmonious system, to follow arcing and spiraling paths of motion and to transition from one movement to the next smoothly and efficiently.
The specialized line of GYROTONIC® equipment supports these natural movement patterns. Sophisticated adjustments allow GYROTONIC® Trainers to adapt the equipment to the ideal setting for each person's unique physique, adapting for things such as height, arm and leg length, natural range of motion and physical ability.
Why should Ballroom and Latin American couples integrate GYROTONIC® into their workouts?
During my career I have been lucky enough to meet teachers and partners who have taught me the
value of competition but also how much effort and hours it takes to train to achieve results that can change a performance.
What the dance world in general does not know about the Dance Sport is the level of discipline and technique required by couple dances. Many physical and psychological factors are put to the test every day and are constantly renewed because the mentality of a couple dancer is constantly evolving with the times, research and technology therefore.
Gyrotonic is a fundamental point of arrival for Ballroom and Latin American style dancers still little known in the world of dance. Through three-dimensional movements it helps to work the expanding body and we couple dancers look for muscular extension at each action for mechanical and aesthetic purposes first of all and therefore as a weapon in competitions because when you dance in a room with 24 other couples at the same time you have to get noticed. With lines and actions in expansion, here the GYROTONIC® can be defined as a "method of education to the expansion of the body" in terms of movement but also of muscle lengthening.
What does the "Counter-Body Movement" of Tango or the "Cuban motion" of Rumba have in common with GYROTONIC®?
The concept of spiral as a three-dimensional trace for movement is the basis of the technique created by Juliu Horvart and for a ballroom dancer as well as a Latin American, awareness of the opposing movements of the column are fundamental.
It is creating stabilization through the contrast that improves execution, balance and strength between the different parts of the body, making movement during a reactive and fast performance.
At the base there is the study of the countless combinations of "Figure 8" that we also find in the basis of the Rumba movement such as the "Cuban motion" as well as the different "Spiral actions" which are also the basis of all Ballroom dances from Tango at the Slow Foxtrot.
Do not forget that the musculature of a dancer of any nature should develop in elongation giving priority to eccentric contractions that favor the muscle in the development of strength in elongation and the use of cables and knobs allow the body to develop in this direction.
How often should GYROTONIC® be integrated into the training of a professional dancer?
A duo work with your partner is highly recommended at least twice a week. Obviously we are talking about professionals who carry out several lessons a day for a person who instead chooses GYROTONIC® as his main activity, working even three times a week can guarantee an effective result.