I have devised a short 5 minute warm-up that combines both practical and vocal exercises i have learnt within starting my skills curriculum. I have created this warm-up to help me get ready for practical work in lessons, i find that it grounds/focuses me whilst it still physically gets me moving. In my warm up i perform various exercises such as a short body scan, balloon breathing method, shoulder tension release, stretches, pirouette prep and vocal – this can be modified at any time or even added to depending on what i would find most useful to exercise on the day.
One of the exercises that i find adds most to my development (in movement) is my pirouette prep that i learnt in my Dance class. At first, I found this exercise hard to navigate with the duality of using leg and arm work at the same time, however, through continuous independent practise i have now successfully ‘nailed’ this exercise so that it feels natural for me.
Another exercise that has allowed me to develop diaphragm exercise and breathing is a technique called balloon breathing. I have worked both independently and 1-on-1 with teachers to fully develop this skill and also intertwining this into my daily warm up allows me to get more practice in.
Attached below is a video of me exploring the balloon breathing method, experimenting with different sounds and fricatives.
