FORMING

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As we suspend our spine from the nape of the neck, energy flows freely down and out its natural pathway. When it is undefined, or in other words, simply released and relaxed, then we are at the mercy of things like feet no longer clearly articulated because of the profound relaxation. Forming is the name I have given to the process of clearly defining that energy. The upside down tree in silhouette is the image I use myself as a reminder.
We can define, or form, that energy in any way we like. I have found several powerful ways to do that which have transformed my movements into potent physical expression. 
  • The most obvious is to visualize definition vertically from the neck down. I have found this to be particularly effective with dramatic leg gestures like battements.
  • It is also possible to define energy in the opposite direction, from the feet up. This is fantastic, especially when combined with other elements.

Here are some other ideas to experiment with:
  • Begin with releasing energy from the nape of the neck down. This automatically lengthens the back of my neck and allows my spine to release in sequence downward. It is the most basic concept to work with.
  • Use the resultant natural float of the rib cage to embrace diaphragmatic breathing for dancers. This is a terrific combination of ideas, suspension plus restricting breathing to the rib cage.
  • Full body engagement is always a fantastic way to define your energy in almost any circumstance. I find it a particularly useful concept in lateral movement like ronde de jambes or fan kicks.

Practice suggestions:

I find an excellent way to practice is to select basic yet perhaps challenging combinations and rehearse the same movements, forming them in a number of different ways. I focus on learning to clearly express each idea distinctly using within the combination. Here are my current favorites:
  • Focus on suspending the spine from the nape down. Great to begin with.
  • Form the energy along the same path, an obvious choice.
  • Engage the body fully throughout the combination.
  • Combine suspending the spine with forming the energy from the feet up. This is a very powerful experience which always gives my dancing not only definition but also interesting animation.
  • Form your energy from the nape down at the same time as from the feet up. This is a sophisticated endeavor and shouldn't be attempted til you have become familiar with the simpler elements.
The method I find helpful is to use 3 or 4 of these ideas and practice the same dance moves using each to define them as being clearly different from each other. If you like, you can use simple walking as the movement to practice. Walk, forming your energy distinctly in succession.

Try something new:

Some ideas to think about:
  • Form your energy to be sleek and sophisticated.
  • Use sharpness as a defining characteristic.
  • Try the opposite, amplifying soft, gentle, heartfelt movement.
  • Use curiosity as a motivating factor in describing your dance.
  • Think of different movement qualities identified with animals.
  • Form your movement using different emotions.
  • Possibilities are endless. Come up with your own. But get proficient at these instead of just dabbling.
Published June 29, 2026.