A Dynamic Relationship with the Ground
for performing
A dynamic relationship with the ground as we play or sing is the key to movement efficiency and precision. Great athletes understand and embody this in sport performance.
In my training as a flutist, I learned how to “place” or “plant’ my feet without any information about the implications for this relationship (feet to ground) in playing. In this post, I guide you in developing a dynamic relationship with the ground and how to integrate it into playing & singing.
In, Asymmetry, Compensation & Gravity, I suggested you begin to notice your standing habits, like posting on one leg. For a dynamic relationship with the floor, we need to be able to move from equilibrium in both feet to pour more weight into one foot. You may find in these movements that one direction is easier than others, attribute that to your standing habit. The good news is that you can teach the body to go in any direction easily and fluidly.
A simple change of weight displacement at the ground will result in a reorganization of the skeleton within. As your base changes, look for equal and opposite reactions (Newton’s Third Law) in your body. Pouring rice grains into a container is a cool way to picture weight shifting between feet. Each grain increases the volume of the rice within that container.
Now imagine your feet full of rice grains. Shift the rice, grain by grain into one foot to end up with more rice or more weight in one foot. Can you pour the rice between the feet as you make a sound with your instrument or voice?
Let’s not forget that the skeleton will naturally reorganize as weight shifts in the feet. As the hips go in one direction, the head will naturally move in the opposite direction. When this happens, movement is balanced. This video will help you find a better relationship with the ground…
Not a performer? a dynamic relationship the ground will help you move through life with ease :-)
Be curious & let me know what you find!
P.S. Down the road you will find that simple weight shift patterns are a foundation for performing choreography that supports musical intention.
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