Build it upwards

IN the last decade or so, we have seen contemporary dance become increasingly acrobatic. Skills based on handstands and cartwheels are commonplace, so contemporary dancers have to be capable and confident with bearing their body weight on the hands.

If you’ve come from a predominantly classical training background and/or not been exposed to more acrobatic-based techniques, however, adapting to these demands can be challenging.

It’s not just about the arms

When it comes to bearing your body weight through your arms, there’s a lot more at play, anatomically and functionally, than those limbs, says Sulley.

“Your upper body strength does include the arms but it’s not limited to the arms,” she explains. “It includes everything from your fingertips to the shoulder girdle: this includes the shoulder, shoulder blade,