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Jazz Dance Warm-Up: Hip Opposition, Flat Backs and Contractions

Jazz Dance Warm-Up: Hip Opposition, Flat Backs and Contractions — video by Bob Boross -My Jazz and Tap Dance Life Play · 5:41

Video by Bob Boross -My Jazz and Tap Dance Life on YouTube · Open on YouTube

Jazz teacher Bob Boross breaks down part one of his jazz class warm-up: hip opposition, a spiralling stretch, a flat back and full release, a hamstring stretch, upper-back arches, side stretches and a contraction, then runs it to music.

  • 6 min
  • Beginner
  • Low impact (no jumping)
  • No equipment
  • Jazz

Good forDancing for fun

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Step by step 6

Tap a time to watch that step in the video.

  1. Hip opposition: drop the hip of the standing leg while the torso stays still. 0:00
  2. Stretch up with a slight spiral, then a flat back and a full, relaxed release. 0:32
  3. Straighten the knees for a hamstring stretch, then a flat back and roll up. 1:24
  4. Arch the upper back, round over, then stretch to the side. 1:38
  5. Step to the side into a contraction, then tendu, plié and rise. 2:19
  6. Part one of the warm-up to music. 4:13

The steps are a summary in our words, checked against the video — the coach shows every move.

Form cues from the coach

  • Drop the hip of the standing leg and keep the torso still and centred
  • Go from a full stretch to a completely relaxed release
  • Keep the shoulders over the pelvis in the contraction

What it works

Tap an area for more videos that work it.

Joints it uses light on the joints

  • Upper back movesupper-back arch and rounding, spiral stretch
  • Lower back movesflat backs, full release, roll-ups, back arch
  • Hips moveship opposition, hamstring stretch, contraction
  • Knees movesrelease with bent knees, pliés
  • Ankles & feet movesrelevé
  • Rounding or twisting the back. With osteoporosis or a back problem, move smoothly and within comfort, and ask a physio which suit you.

A guide to the joints this video’s moves load, from what the coach does — not medical advice. Some ache is normal; stop if a joint hurts sharply. How joints are rated

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Video by Bob Boross -My Jazz and Tap Dance Life; the summary, steps, cues, body areas and joint notes are Notbroken’s, written from what the coach actually does in the video and checked a second time. Warm up first, take the easier options until a move feels easy, and stop if you feel sharp pain, chest pain or dizziness. General instruction, not advice for your body. About & safety