Two particular techniques emerge as being fundamental and common to all pieces of apparatus. These are swinging and circling and throwing and catching.
The technique of swing is based upon a weight transference from one foot to the other and is performed either with the feet apart so that the weight can shift from side to side, or with one foot in front of the other and apart, so that the transference of weight occurs forwards and backwards.
The movement must be performed smoothly, with a knee bend, and going through what is termed the plie position (the term plie comes from the world of ballet). During the weight transference between the feet, the apparatus is held in one hand and swung either side to side or forwards and backwards, depending on how the feet are split.
In the case of the rope and the hoop, care must be taken not to hit the floor with the apparatus. This is ensured by stretching the arm out and away from the body (this same technique also applies to the other apparatus).
Because of its length it is not possible to keep the ribbon off the floor, but it is important in all cases that the movement should not be jerky, but rather flowing and continuous. The swinging movement described can be repeated several times as a practice exercise, and the side swing can be developed to into a full circling movement of the arm, with a step together step of the feet, or into a turn with a step-step-step of the feet.
The forward and backwards swing can be developed into a small throw and catch (toss) of the apparatus, or into a forward or backward traveling step. It is important to practice this type of swinging movement so that it becomes fluent and easy to perform while holding the apparatus in your hand.
In part, it forms the basis of many other movements, particularly the element of throwing and catching which is discussed next.
Written by : Paul Kramer
