Freefalling

Guess what. Falling is fun. That's right. I, Chelsea Marie Alley, superklutz and accomplished down-the-stairs-faller (with an emphasis in complete lack of spatial awareness) am declaring that falling is really fun. Here's the thing: apparently being an accomplished dancer includes an ability to flow smoothly to the ground and then back out of it. In plain english that means falling gracefully. And so that's what I've been doing for the past week or so. Granted, it wasn't graceful at first. In fact, it was actually quite klunky. But I've learned a few little tricks that can make (or break!) a fall - and now, I must admit, I'm developing quite the seamless and aesthetic fall!

1. Relax the muscles. Soften. Trust the body to catch you and it will do so in a less painful way than if you tense up. Imagine the muscles dripping (sorta gross - but whatever imagery works) into the ground. They can absorb force easier when they're soft and all cushiony.

2. Work the head. The head weighs about 11 lbs. - minus any hair. That's like throwing around a heavy bowling ball - it can pack a punch. If the head drops and swings, the body is bound to follow. It will also provide enough momentum to complete rolls and spins. No matter where the initiating point is, throwing the head into it will make it that much smoother.

3. Avoid landing on bones or joints. For example, when falling to the side - avoid the knee like the plague. The lateral side of the shin works ten times better - it provide better padding, it has more surface area to absorb the fall and it will spare the knee a lot of pain and potential injury.

So I've been trying to apply these little tricks to my falls and have been pleasantly surprised by my improved fall-ability. Once the head goes and the rest follows, it's like a little thrill - riding a roller coaster. There's a little moment of exhiliration after accomplishing a smooth and painless fall. It's amazing! Now, if I can only learn how to apply it to real life - outside of the dance studio . . .