Conditioning for Dance [Paperback]

Eric Franklin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0736041567 | ISBN-13: 978-0736041560 | Publication Date: September 8, 2003 | Edition: 1

Even the best sense of rhythm, the most careful technical training, and the most astute dance intuition aren't enough to make a dancer truly excel; you also need focused strength, balance, and flexibility to execute the movements with power and grace. Conditioning for Dance improves your technique and performance in all dance forms by strengthening the body's core (abdominal and back muscles) while improving coordination, balance, and alignment and optimizing flexibility. The result is more lift without tension, deeper pliés, higher jumps with less effort, tighter turns, and improved extension and turnout.

Conditioning for Dance is the result of years of practical experience combined with scientific and anatomical analysis. Author Eric Franklin is an internationally known dancer, teacher, choreographer, and writer. His innovative, proven techniques will help you execute key dance skills better as you

-strengthen the muscles you use in dance by performing exercises with elastic resistance bands;

-start and move in proper alignment using imagery;

-improve your balance and release tension through playful exercises with small balls;

-develop leg and torso power that translates to higher jumps and tighter turns; and

-optimize your flexibility through touch, movement awareness, and imagery.The book features 102 imagery illustrations paired with dance-specific exercises to help you maximize body–mind conditioning and develop more fluid mobility, balance, and tension release. The book culminates with a 20-minute, full-body workout routine designed to help dancers warm up, condition, and refine their dance technique. You'll learn how to execute lifelong dance skills that give power without the risk of injuries.

By working the muscles through movements and ranges of motion that approximate the demands of your chosen dance form, you directly enrich your performance capabilities. And as you strengthen the body's core, stretch to gain just the right amount of flexibility, and incorporate the power of the mind, you unleash your full artistic and physical potential.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"From Dance Teacher
"""A worthwhile read for dancers and teachers."""
From Library Journal
"""Dancers looking for more range of movement, power, or a way to address a specific problem will find this text valuable. Readers interested in kinesiology and sport medicine will also appreciate it. Recommended for larger public and academic libraries.""""

Review

From Dance Teacher
"A worthwhile read for dancers and teachers."

From Library Journal
"Dancers looking for more range of movement, power, or a way to address a specific problem will find this text valuable. Readers interested in kinesiology and sport medicine will also appreciate it. Recommended for larger public and academic libraries."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Human Kinetics; 1 edition (September 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736041567
• ISBN-13: 978-0736041560
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,806 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Reference
  • #71 in Books > Medical Books > Medicine > Sports Medicine

More About the Author

Eric Franklin is the director of the Franklin Method Institute in Uster, Switzerland, and travels worldwide conducting workshops. He is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science and has taught at the Institute for Psychomotor Therapy in Zurich. He is the author of Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance; Relax Your Neck, Liberate Your Shoulders; and Pelvic Power.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 92 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb insights into body function, relaxation, imagery, March 5, 2004

By 

V. K. Lin (Eugene, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Conditioning for Dance (Paperback)

I'm a professional who utilizes applied biomechanics for a
living. I also study Tai Chi and other internal martial arts.
I am no dancer. I've been exposed through my profession to
Feldenkrais, Pilates, and yoga. Guess what? They're all
virtually the same!

I was turned on to this book by a martial arts colleague.
It has changed the way we look at our martial arts practice.
Franklin does a really nice job of describing the pertinent
functional anatomy in many key areas of your body (pelvis and
pelvic floor, including iliopsoas, back, legs, internal organs,
etc.)-- specifically the importance of key biomechanical
properties. He describes very enriching visualization and touch/
feel exercises to induce greater awareness and relaxation,
thereby promoting function. Higher kicks and jumps, deeper
squats (plie's), all with less effort. It's clear, and the
exercises work!

There are exercises for awareness, relaxation, alignment,
stretching, and strengthening. They are simple, easily done
with small Pilates-type balls and Thera-band, but some
are quite hard and take some work!

My only complaint is that some of his diagrams lack detail,
or there aren't enough diagrams or pictures to fully elucidate
the anatomy or the exercises. He does provide excellent
descriptive text, however.

I've recommended this text to other martial artists, to my
colleagues, to physical therapists, and to medical students.
Well done, and I will certainly add some of his other books to \
my wish list!

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best dance conditioning book out there!, October 19, 2004

By 

A. DELUGT - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Conditioning for Dance (Paperback)

As a pre-professional ballet student, I had been looking for exercises to improve my alignment and technique. When I found this book, I absolutely knew that this was the key. Franklin is the great pioneer with the idea that releasing tension enhances your technique and decreases injury potential. His conditioning exercises deal a lot with imagery, something that helps you so much that you have no idea until you try it. I highly recommend this book to all students and teachers of dance, particularly ballet. Franklin's exercises mostly deal with using therabands and rolling balls which is very effective.

I adore Eric Franklin; he is absolutely brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For all who dance, January 11, 2006

By 

Demark Manigo "D. Manigo" (Savannah, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Conditioning for Dance (Paperback)

This book should be a mandatory textbook for all dance students and trainees alike.An awesome tool for teachers who really want to focus on improving their students alignment without the normal bustle with a standard class. Mr. Franklin takes you on a journey that allows you to discover your body and know its limitations and how to get better. The information in this book is priceless. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in a full-time career in dance. Your body will never be the same again.