Skill Of The Month: FIREBIRDS!
Let’s talk ‘Firebirds’… A powerful, expressive jump that blends height, flexibility, and beautiful lines. We’re working on building safe technique first, then adding confidence and performance quality.
What We’re Practising in Class
- Strong take-off: Pushing evenly through both feet for height and stability.
- Lifted chest: Opening through the sternum to create that signature “arched” shape without crunching the lower back.
- Controlled back leg: Training dancers to kick from the glutes and hamstrings, not the lower back.
- Soft landings: Rolling through the feet to keep the jump gentle and safe.
Extra Tips to Improve Firebirds
- Core first: A strong core helps protect the back and keeps the jump lifted instead of collapsing.
- Back mobility (safely): Gentle upper-back stretches like cobra and ‘happy cat/angry cat, never forcing the neck.
- Strengthen the glutes: Bridges and arabesque lifts help create a higher, more controlled back leg.
- Prepare the arms: Using strong “lifted” arms in the prep helps guide the jump up, not just back.
- Spot your direction: Even though it’s an expressive jump, spotting helps dancers stay balanced and clean.
- Breathe with the jump: Inhale on the prep and exhale during the lift to avoid tension.
At-Home Challenge
Try practising 10 slow, controlled arabesque lifts each day and holding a chest-lift position for 10 seconds. These small habits make a big difference in Firebird height and shape!
Dance Factor offers classes across all styles of dance and caters for all ages and abilities. To enquire or book your FREE trial, contact…
info@dancefactor.com.au