Improving co-ordination

[Jayne]

Does anyone have any tips on how I can improve my co-ordination? Is it just a case of practise, practise, practise?

My co-ordination has always been dreadful - you know in a step aerobics class there's always someone at the back falling off the step and collapsing in heaps of giggles? That was me. :tears:

But I want to try & do something about it.

Why can't I make my right arm do one thing while my left leg does something else? Is it because of problems with spatial recognition, so I have to consciously think which is my left & right? Am I thinking too hard? Or not enough? :confused:

Has your co-ordination improved? If so, how?

All suggestions welcome! :flower: (except those relating to clothes & colour schemes)

J :nice:

[Magic Hans]

I would guess that most bodywork programs would improve bodily co-ordination (as opposed to hand-eye, or ear-body).

Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Chi Gung, Aikido, etc, etc

[Whitebeard]

Does anyone have any tips on how I can improve my co-ordination? Is it just a case of practise, practise, practise?
Yes, I think it is. Co-ordination and balance is developed and most quickly learned in the rough and tumble of childhood, through the physical activities of the teen-age years, into early adulthood. Some end up clumsy and awkward in all they do, others move with a natural elegance and grace of movement, and most of us lie somewhere between these extremes. It's very much an innate quality, but we can all improve with training and practise, though it becomes increasingly hard the older we get.

I can't think of any magic formula, other than putting yourself in the hands of a personal trainer and being prepared to work very hard at it. Out of the question for most.

Otherwise it's doing as much dancing, and dancing practise, as possible and maybe actively seeking feedback from friends and partners.

And less of the girly giggling !! ;-)

[spindr]

Learn to juggle :)

No seriously -- just get "Juggling For The Complete Klutz" -- and you'll be busy getting coordinated for the whole of Christmas.

SpinDr.

[Gojive]

I had trouble with my co-ordination once.....then I took a map reading course, and everything just went to plan after that! :D

Sorry, I couldn't resist that!....so, to be more helpful (hopefully) - My ex-step-son (is that how it shoulkd be denoted :confused: ) is dyslexic. My ex-partner and I, sent him to a specialist in London. The specialist reckoned that a large proportion of dyslexia is caused by poor hand/eye coordination, and can be improved with some simple exercises.

Just a few weeks after starting these exercises, his reading ability improved beyond our wildest expectations, together with a marked increase in his coordination.

Sadly, my ex and I are now separated (which of course is why she's my 'ex'! :blush: ), so I don't have immediate access to the materials/contacts we used, but a dig around the internet for something similar may be worthwhile Jayne :)

[Graham]

No suggestions, but if you find anything which works, let me know, because my coordination is worse than yours. :tears:

[Dazzle]

When I started dance college I thought I was quite co-ordinated until I started in the warm up classes! Oh boy! :sick:

I was bloody useless! It took me hours of practice to get with the programme. So no quick answer from me I am afraid! :tears:

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRATICE!!!!!!!! :eek:

[LilyB]

Does anyone have any tips on how I can improve my co-ordination? ...
You already do it - ballet! :clap:

... Is it just a case of practise, practise, practise? ...
:yeah: It is worth it, though. :flower:

LilyB

[Lynn]

Why can't I make my right arm do one thing while my left leg does something else? Is it because of problems with spatial recognition, so I have to consciously think which is my left & right? Am I thinking too hard? Or not enough? :confused: I think practise has a lot to do with it. I can play guitar - one hand holding strings, the other strumming, no problems, but recently in a dance warm up class I couldn't get the hang of an exercise that involved my right and left arms doing different things in rapid sucession. :tears:

As to arms and legs, when I was trying to learn the mambo I couldn't get it in the first class (right leg and left arm then the opposite) - my right arm wanted to move when my right leg did, but after practise I could do it without even thinking.

I think its the co-ordination applied in dancing that is important - ie taking things that improve co-ordination and putting them into practice in some way in a dancing context.

Any other suggestions of exercises that help?

[Aleks]

One of the things that can help improve coordination is using Brain Gym techniques. It's a system designed by kinesiologists to improve left-right brain integration, mostly in people who suffer from dyslexia or poor concentration skills, but it works well for everyone.

You can buy the book online which outlines the exercises or find a kinesiologist in your area who can teach them to you. Lots of primary teachers are also taugh the techniques to aid children's concentration so you might be able to find a teacher to help you too.

[Jayne]

You already do it - ballet! :clap:
That's how I know I'm cr@p! :tears:

Looks like I'm in for the long slog then.....

Thanks everyone for the advice! :flower:

J :nice:

[MartinHarper]

Is it just a case of practise, practise, practise?

How do you practice?

[CJ]

How do you practice?

Well, 1st you qualify as a GP, then you spend years getting good at it by practicing. :blush:

Anyway, my co-ordination is dreadful, too... the number of times I've gone out when my shirt hasn't matched my slacks!!! :eek:

[Lynn]

... ballet! Talking to someone at the weekend who recently took up ballet. I'd always got the impression it was something you did when you were very young (did it myself when I was about 5!). Is it something you can take up when you aren't so young?

[Simon]

Does anyone have any tips on how I can improve my co-ordination?

Haven't noticed any problems. In fact, quite the opposite :drool:

[Jayne]

Talking to someone at the weekend who recently took up ballet. I'd always got the impression it was something you did when you were very young (did it myself when I was about 5!). Is it something you can take up when you aren't so young?
I'll let you know in a year's time!

I didn't go to ballet when I was a kid - in fact I didn't start dancing until I was 16. Then, when I came to London, I noticed that some of my favourite dancers were obviously ballet trained (including the Lovely Lily :worthy:, Kate :flower: and Amir :drool: ) and it really showed in their dancing. And then I found out that Amir didn't take up ballet until he was 19 or 20 and I thought "well if he can start at that age and get to where he is, why can't I start and see if it'll help my dancing?". So I went along to the local college, signed up and had my very first ballet class at age 26!

Hence, I know how poor my co-ordination is... :tears:

Re ballet: I think I'm lucky in that I'm quite flexible and could already point my feet - but my flexibility comes from being hypermobile in the joints, which means I can contort into positions, but I don't get there by the ballet textbook route! My flexibility, balance and posture have all improved over the last term, but I'm under no illusions - I'm not Amir and I'm not five years old!

As for how I practise: I've started ballet and I make sure I do about an hour's practise between classes. I went to Amir's body styling classes when he taught on a Wednesday and often tried some of the exercises during the week. I find that some co-ordinations come easily to me but if I think about it I can't do it (eg the syncopation in last night's RC's class).

As for the other suggestions:

- My hand/eye co-ordination is fine: I think I learnt to sew as soon as I could hold a needle!

- I *can* read a map (and navigate!).... but I find it easier to turn the map round as we travel,

- I started Pilates over the summer,

- I'll investigate the Brain Gym - thanks Aleks :flower:

- I can't juggle, despite owning a set of juggling balls,

- Simon: :drool: :wink: :flower:

- Graham: take up ballet! :grin:

Thanks for all your help, folks!

J :flower:

Sorry it's such a long post... :blush:

[Trish]

I'll let you know in a year's time!

I didn't go to ballet when I was a kid - in fact I didn't start dancing until I was 16. Then, when I came to London, I noticed that some of my favourite dancers were obviously ballet trained (including the Lovely Lily :worthy:, Kate :flower: and Amir :drool: ) and it really showed in their dancing. And then I found out that Amir didn't take up ballet until he was 19 or 20 and I thought "well if he can start at that age and get to where he is, why can't I start and see if it'll help my dancing?". So I went along to the local college, signed up and had my very first ballet class at age 26!

Hence, I know how poor my co-ordination is... :tears:

Re ballet: I think I'm lucky in that I'm quite flexible and could already point my feet - but my flexibility comes from being hypermobile in the joints, which means I can contort into positions, but I don't get there by the ballet textbook route! My flexibility, balance and posture have all improved over the last term, but I'm under no illusions - I'm not Amir and I'm not five years old!


I think you're very brave going to ballet at 26 :worthy: . I'd love to have a go, but a) I'm worried about looking like an idiot (I'm very nearly 34!), and b) I do two night dancing (sometimes three) a week as it is, any more and my non-dancing husband might give up on me completely! Did you find there were many other adult beginners or were you in the minority?

Apart from Yoga/pilates etc I've found the other thing that helped me with the posture/poise/balance side of things was Alexander technique. The end results are similar but it's more to do with thinking about releasing tension in your spine etc, rather than doing exercises, and therefore easier to use when you're actually dancing! Not the cheapest thing to do mind you, but I was lucky as I used some money I inherited from my Nan to do it. My Alexander teacher is actually an ex ballerina, so that made things interesting, as she was very aware of the strains that dancing puts on your body, and she also ended up helping me with my spinning and coming to Ceroc! :clap:

[Graham]

- Graham: take up ballet! :grin:
But then I'd need to be coordinated and fit! :eek:

[Magic Hans]

Balance, control, speed, strength.

These are aspects of physical movement that my Tai Chi teacher brought up. His point was that although different, martial arts aim, eventually for the same point.

Some focus on balance and control first, then look to working up to speed and strength/power. Some find this can be quite boring.

Others focus on speed and strength first, because it's more exciting.

I'm sure there are other approaches which have pros and cons, that also depend on personality and learning style.

Happy thoughts! ... Ian

[Rachel]

Sounds like you're doing all the best things that you possibly can, Jayne - and I think it's really showing in your dancing. You were stunning in the JiveMasters.

Ballet is appallingly difficult to do properly, but sooo worth the time and effort. After 30-something years of ballet, I haven't done any now for about 2 years and I'm really noticing the difference - in Bad Ways! If I could find a convenient local class which fit in with my timetable, I'd be there like a shot!


.... So I went along to the local college, signed up and had my very first ballet class at age 26! ..... Marc must have been 29 or 30 when he had his first ballet class - in addition to being the only male, and the only beginner. I was so proud of him, and he learnt so much. Although he only did it for 6 months (for the sake of a role in a musical society), he still regularly does the New York Ballet workout video which I bought him.
Rachel

[Lynn]

I think you're very brave going to ballet at 26 :worthy: . I'd love to have a go, but a) I'm worried about looking like an idiot (I'm very nearly 34!), :yeah: Yep, me too! But I think I will enquire about courses to see if there are any new beginners classes for adults starting in Jan. The person I was talking to on Sat night had been to an adults beginners class at a local arts centre so I'll check there first. We have no ceroc/MJ classes here so it would be great to be learning something. I last did ballet when I was about 7 though so I will be a complete beginner again!

[Dazzle]

I started ballet as part of a college dance course aged 38! My limitations as far as kicks and flexibility showed immediately, but it has made a huge difference to balance, co-ordination, poise, etc. Rachel is right in that it is SO hard to do correctly, another "looks easier than it actually is!" candidate. :sick:

May have to try the NY Ballet Workout Video you mentioned, though, sounds fun/interesting? I shall speak to Marc at our next encounter! :cheers:

[Rachel]

I started ballet as part of a college dance course aged 38! My limitations as far as kicks and flexibility showed immediately, but it has made a huge difference to balance, co-ordination, poise, etc. Rachel is right in that it is SO hard to do correctly, another "looks easier than it actually is!" candidate. :sick:

May have to try the NY Ballet Workout Video you mentioned, though, sounds fun/interesting? I shall speak to Marc at our next encounter! :cheers: Oh yes, do speak to Marc and swap notes. You are such a superb dancer, though - I could learn so much from you!! You always seem to know how to bring interesting things into your modern jive - wonderful to dance with. Hope you catch up with you and Sheena again before long.
Rachel xx

[Trish]

...Although he only did it for 6 months (for the sake of a role in a musical society), he still regularly does the New York Ballet workout video which I bought him.
Rachel

I've seen that advertised, it looks fiendishly difficult! If he can do any of that he must be really flexible - or perhaps I'm just really stiff! :tears:

[JamesGeary]

I think any martial arts or type of dancing, or gymnastics has to improve overall body awareness and control.

I think juggling would be more hand-eye co-ordination, which seems quite different and and more specific than all over body control.

[spindr]

I think juggling would be more hand-eye co-ordination, which seems quite different and and more specific than all over body control.

Well one thing that juggling *can* do, is to help you to separate your left and right movements -- especially when you say juggle with your left and right hands asynchronously.

Maybe I should have suggested club swinging -- that brings in more arm / body motions?

SpinDr.

[Dazzle]

Why Miss Rachel I do blush from your flattery! :blush:

We both know I am but a beginner, following very much in your shadow! :worthy:

Instructors exams this weekend so :eek: !

Take care and Sheena and I will hopefully see you very soon. Pity you couldn't make Northwich last Saturday, it was a great night! :flower:

So Co-ordination! Well, yes! Erm! I also found using a mirror helped enormously, preferably a full-length or wall mirror in a studio. No quick answers, only hard work!

[Bangers & Mash]

Does anyone have any tips on how I can improve my co-ordination?

Dance with me Jayne. After that, everything will be an improvement :blush:

[Simon]

Maybe I should have suggested club swinging -- that brings in more arm / body motions?



I've seen Nelson Rose and Pete Trimmer do their club juggling cabaret a couple of times where Nelson strips down to his underwear and Pete rides a unicycle, whilst they juggle clubs between them! :what: :waycool: A couple of good jugglers who are also fine dancers. :nice:

[Rhythm King]

I've seen Nelson Rose and Pete Trimmer do their club juggling cabaret a couple of times where Nelson strips down to his underwear and Pete rides a unicycle, whilst they juggle clubs between them! :what: :waycool: A couple of good jugglers who are also fine dancers. :nice:

QUOTE=Pete Trimmer: "Yes, but have you ever seen anybody who could juggle, blind-folded, while riding a unicycle one-footed? " :rofl:

(Pete Trimmer's party piece, for those that haven't seen it :worthy: )

[Yogi_Bear]

Balance, control, speed, strength.

These are aspects of physical movement that my Tai Chi teacher brought up. His point was that although different, martial arts aim, eventually for the same point.

Some focus on balance and control first, then look to working up to speed and strength/power. Some find this can be quite boring.

Others focus on speed and strength first, because it's more exciting.

I'm sure there are other approaches which have pros and cons, that also depend on personality and learning style.

Happy thoughts! ... Ian I agree - practising Tai Chi is a big help in improving balance and co-ordination, among other things. In a number of Tai Chi steps you need to balance on one leg, and in others you need to invert steps between the right and left sides of your body. Hmm, I'm wondering when we will see a workshop of MJ / martial arts fusion.....MJ has borrowed ideas from many other sources.

[Lynn]

I think I will enquire about courses to see if there are any new beginners classes for adults starting in Jan. The person I was talking to on Sat night had been to an adults beginners class at a local arts centre so I'll check there first. Yep the 'second chance' ballet for adults course will run again in January. I might phone up and see what average age people might be...