Expert: Gia al Qamar - 8/22/2007

Question
Hello.

I've been dancing for about a year and a half and I'm starting to look into learning more advanced movements, layers, and working on detailed isolation control. One of the things I cannot find good instruction on is stomach flutters. I've been told that it is breath control and I've been told it is fine muscle control in the diaphragm. So, which is it? What's a good way to practice it or at least begin to learn it? Thank you so much for your reply!

Answer
Hi Roxi,
You have SO come to the right place!  One of my specialities is the stomach flutter and I do teach it to my advanced dance students...so...let's go!
Some dancers and dance teachers instruct students to 'pant' as a way of facilitating flutters...or using 'breath control' as you stated.  I think this isn't an efficient way to produce the movement and not a great isolation of the area of the diaphragm that you want to move.
SO let's start there.  Find your diaphragm.  You'll locate the diaphragm at the top of the abs, at the upside-down V-shaped notch at the top of the rib cage.
You can begin this exercise sitting, standing (with knees soft and tailbone pointed to the ground).  Place one hand gently over the diaphragm, then, with Mouth OPEN, tongue out, pant like a dog.  You should feel a little in-and-out movement in your diaphragm.  Good.  You've located the zone!
To do an efficient, isolated flutter, you need to create a vacuum in the area of your diaphragm.
Begin with correct posture.  Raise your ribcage while keeping your neck, shoulders and arms relaxed.  Inhale.  Exhale HALF way and close your mouth, hold your breath!  (You CAN use your soft palette inside your mouth or your tongue to block any air leaving your nose, but just holding your breath like you are underwater will suffice!)
Now...laugh.  No noise...no air...just laugh...chuckle...giggle like Santa.  You should see or feel in your hand your diaphragm moving.
If you let your chest drop, you'll find that your tummy moves more...keep good posture, but relax the rest of your upper body, including your abs.
Let me know how you make out!
Gia
www.IDreamOfGia.com