Stand Up Straight!

Stand up Straight
Your mother was right.  There's a lot to be said for maintaining correct posture.  Let's have a quick word about it now and give mom a day off.

Aesthetics
Aesthetically having good posture will make you look taller and slimmer.   It also portrays confidence.  One of the most notable differences between a great dancer and a not so great dancer is how they hold their body.  Rounded shoulders and a slumped spine will prevent your movements from flowing seamlessly between transitions  and can be very distracting for an audience to watch.

Physically
Having back pain?  What about shortness of breath?  Incorrect posture could be contributing to these ailments.   A lopsided stance creates an imbalance in the body by weakening some muscles and overusing others.  It can constrict the diaphragm and compress internal organs and not let your body function the best it can.

Building From The Ground Up
Follow these cues to have a "stand proud" posture.

Feet
Inner edges of feet should be lined up with toes going forward.  Arches of the feet lift while the soles press down.

Legs
Knees should be soft and not locked.  Turn your thighs forward

Pelvis
Level out your hipbones.  Lengthen through your low back.

Torso and Shoulders
Open your chest and lift your sternum.  Let your spine lengthen.  Shoulders should draw back and down.  Let your back broaden and your collarbones widen.  Feel like you are growing wider and taller at the same time. 

Head
Make sure there is equal distance between your ears and your shoulders and that your chin is level with the floor.

Overall you should feel like the front of your body is lifting while the back of your body is grounding down.  You should feel strong and open.  Practice everyday.   My favorite way to practice is to make a grand entrance wherever I go.  Whether I enter a different room or a new conversation I remind myself to stand tall.  Try it out for yourself and show mom you were listening.