Shark in the Water!

​Watching Shark Week every July is my summer tradition since elementary school, being shark obsessed from a very young age. This year I binged on the sharky lineup recovering from being sick. I had plans to incorporate a shark-tacular celebration in my classes with themed movements and playlists, but you know what they say about best laid plans…

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​But I do have a favorite (on land) exercise to share! This move engages your full body: The Swimmer!
This Pilates-style exercise incorporates a range of different muscles; it gives definition to glutes and hamstrings, engages the abdominals, and strengthens those posture back extensor muscles.
To complete the exercise, lay on your stomach on the floor with arms and legs outstretched. Engage your abs by pulling your bellybutton into your spine, and press your shoulders down your back. Remember, shoulders and ears are NOT friends, so you want to keep them far apart. Keep your head in line with your spine.
Lift your right arm and left leg off the mat, only as far as you can feel your back working, but not causing any strain or distress. Repeat with the opposite, left arm and right leg. Continue to “swim” by alternating the movement for a full set.
For a variation, lift both legs and arms at the same time for increased intensity.

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As I mentioned, sharks are my favorite animals, and Shark Conservation is a cause that is very dear to my heart. A personal hero of mine is diver Cristina Zenato, and her work with sharks in the Bahamas. If you haven’t heard of her or seen her remarkable videos, please visit her website and her video, The Shark  Dancer: https://vimeo.com/298131874

​If you want to make a donation, her nonprofit organization is People of the Water. 
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Have you been inspired by the ocean or its creatures through your art, be it dance or another medium? Personally, my most well-known performance as my burlesque alter ego is my JAWS routine, as seen in the photo in this post. I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun creating or performing a solo as JAWS, and I’ve been thinking of re-imagining it as a campy fusion bellydance solo – stay tuned ;)