[Tango-L] any advice for bad shoulders?

[Dubravko Kakarigi]

Here's what I do while dancing to help resolve the problem, for whatever it's worth. 

When I feel my partner consistently pushing off of my left arm (especially during giros to the right or back ochos), I first need to make sure I am not consistently throwing my partner off balance and then if I am not, I will just let my left hand go momentarily limp in non-critical moments in order to deny that unnecessary support. Most get the message. 

When teaching or practicing I will often practice open embrace my left arm and my partner's right arm down and behind or connecting in a open-palm-to-open-palm fashion with fingers extending straight up. The latter is a good exercise in its own right illustrating and practicing joint responsibility for maintaining the frame and hands connecting in the middle as much as possible.

A more difficult problem to solve for me while dancing is my partner's "hanging" on my right shoulder. What I would do, is first make sure I am not lifting my right shoulder causing the imbalance and the "hanging" that way and, if not, "straighten out" my shirt (of whatever garment I may be wearing) on my right shoulder between dances. That works many times.

...dubravko
 
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----- Original Message ----
From: Keith <keith at tangohk.com>
To: Tango List <tango-l at mit.edu>
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2007 6:41:45 AM
Subject: Re: [Tango-L] any advice for bad shoulders?


Thanks Carol that's what I always say if a new partner pushes too hard.
 Often
the girl is quite relieved and says that someone told her to do that.
 I've now 
identified an individual in our Tango community who is telling girls to
 do this. 
But he's not a teacher and he's not one of my students so I don't see
 what I can 
do about it. Anybody have any ideas?

Keith, HK


On Mon Dec 24 12:41 , Carol Shepherd  sent:

>How about saying to the follow, "I have an injured shoulder, please
 try 
>not to use too much resistance with your right arm?"  Not everyone can
 
>make this adjustment but some can/will.
>
>buffmilonguera at aol.com wrote:
>> I have had prolonged bouts with bursitis in both shoulders, as well
 as 
>> small tears in my rotator cuff.  I work with a trainer to strengthen
 
>> and protect my shoulders as much as possible - but sometimes, esp. 
>> after a long night of leading or dancing with a follower who pushes
 too 
>> hard - my left shoulder really hurts.  I was wondering if any other 
>> leaders have this problem and/or any suggestions?
>> 
>> thanks
>> b


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