Hi all!

I can't figure out how this head movement especially in Indian dance is achieved. These dancers seem to be able to effortlessly move their heads from side to side whilst keeping their faces perpendicular to the floor and facing in the same direction at all times. Sorry, can't describe it any better.
Is there a special trick or technique involved in this, or is it something one is either born with or not?
Looking forward to your replies.

All the best,

Philip

[This message was edited by somebody on 02-01-01 at 11:14 PM.]

Thank you Sri. That sounds interesting and more encouraging than what I heard before. So you think that I could learn to do that neck stuff in any Western ballet school?
I'll go and shop around.

Best wishes,

Philip

Let me address this question, since I have first hand knowledge. You see, these people have a special neck transplant only available in India and in other countries dancing the 8 Indian classical dance genres. So, if you want to learn to dance like that, you may need a neck muscle transplant..

No seriously, my sister was classically trained in one of the south Indian classical dances and they teach the same muscle isolation techniques that are taught to Ballet dancers. Not much different really.

I can offer little else of course about how to go about isolating those muscles. May I suggest a neck transplant?

Sri. :

Most of these dancers started when they were very young and were trained specifically for these kind of head, eye, and limb movements. In a way, they're professional performers since they are paid to appear in special festivities including cultural events. They are probably no different from a Brazilian who have smooth samba movements.

Ric and everyone,

Thanks for your reply. However, the people I am referring to are not professionals, they have in most cases not had intensive training. They have been raised in a culture that endorses Oriental dances, though. I cannot believe that a teenager couldn't learn to do those head movements if told how.
Can anyone give me better advice?

Bye,

Philip