Why do we want symmetry?
Symmetry is naturally pleasing to the eye. We are actually much better at noticing symmetry unconsciously than we realise. Not only in static things, but also when they move. That means we like to look at people who look symmetrical, but we like it even more when they move symmetrically too. So if your body is symmetrical in appearance, then you will look good. However, if your body is symmetrical in the way it moves, then you will look even better when you dance.
That’s why we want symmetry in the body – it will make us look better (and feel better to our partners) when we dance.
Why are we not symmetrical?
There are many reasons for not being symmetrical. By understanding the different causes we can think more about the best ways to correct for them.
No one is really symmetrical in the first place. Most of us are right handed or left handed so that means we have spent year always leading with one side of the body. This side will have a bit more strength and control of movement. Just this alone can cause in imbalance.
We also have other on symmetries in the body. A common one is the eyes. Most of us have one eye stringer than the other. Do you find that text is harder to read with one eye or the other? When one eye is stringer it can cause your head to turn slightly so that you take more advantage of it. This can put your shoulders out, then your back, and then you whole body is unsymmetrical.
There are some things that come from habit. Do you lean your arm on the door when driving? Do you always sleep on one side of your body? Are there any unsymmetrical actions you repeat each day on symmetrical positions that you often sit or stand in? There probably are – we all have them in our lives somewhere. Carrying a brief case or bad could be one. It’s only small, but if you do it every day, then the longer you’ve lived the more unsymmetrical it could make you.
If you can think of something like this in your life, then try doing the opposite. Carry your hand bag in another hand, cross your legs the other way, clap with the other hand rotated forward slightly of the opposite one, lean to the other side when you sit. How different does it feel? The more different it feels, the likely you have become unsymmetrical.
What we can do about symmetry?
We can’t avoid all of the activities that might cause non-symmetry. Also, we can’t really become ambidextrous. Nevertheless, you might want to see if some of you habits can be reversed for a period. Simply putting the effort in will tell your unconscious mind to focus on symmetry.
However, what is probably most effective is engaging in some exercises that promote this symmetry. Here are some suggestions.
Franklin balls – these are balls that you stand on to improve your balance. There is one per foot so each side of the body needs to work.
Exercise – if you’re going to exercise be mindful of choosing exercises that encourage symmetry. For example machine weights will let one side of the body work harder than the other. Consider free weights – one for each hand or leg – if you’re into weights. Lunges are ok too, because you can do one per side, but squats not as much. This doesn’t mean drop an exercise that doesn’t offer complete decoupling between sides, just make sure you have some that do.
Try to be symmetrical – look at yourself in the mirror. Are you straight; is one shoulder high then the other; what about your head’s angle or your hips? Are there items in your environment that might encourage non-symmetry that you can replace?
Get a massage – many will be up for this one. If you have more tension in one side than the other, then get all the tension removed. Then you’ll be more symmetrical.
Try any of the above and you will get an improvement in your dancing. Not only that, but you will feel better. Not to mention look better too.
