Page 35 - MANUAL ESTUDIANTES ENG ML1

9.2 DIAGONAL/SCISSOR BEATS 9.2.1 TECHNIQUE
To start this skill, we perform small beats while relaxing the hips and waist. We then gradually
scissor the legs (forming an “X”), making sure we keep the torso parallel to an imaginary wall outlined by the rope in front of us. The top leg bends forward (pike) while the bottom leg extends back, opening the hip.
Starting with an abdominal crunch and using forced exhalation, we aim to increase the size of the split with every beat while lifting the hips at the same time. It is important to maintain proper body alignment without arching laterally too much.
We will add a pull-up to take advantage of the lighter body weight, as if we wanted to touch the lumbar region (lower back) with the elbow. This is how we get the so- called "weightless” moment, in which we feel as if we are floating in the air.
To be able to perform “Hulas” with fluidity we need to harness this weightless moment that happens right at the top of the swing, when the body reaches maximum height.
We should always lead with the same leg as the direction of the Hula (if we want to do a right-sided Hula then the movement should be initiated by the right leg, while a left-sided Hula should be initiated by the left leg).
If we bring the trailing leg toward the leading leg as we initiate the rotation we would block the movement.
BREATHING: Forced exhalation during the pull-up beat.
9.2.2 PREPARATORY DRILLS
Beats on straps to focus on technique and movement patterns (breath, pull-up, lines), as well as on conditioning and physical preparation.
- Hula on one side then switching to the other side.
- Continuous Hulas on the same side, without catching the rope with the legs.
- Hula on one side, catching the rope with one or both legs, then releasing it.
- Mixed Hulas, switching between catching the rope with the legs and swinging without catching it (to be able to perform this
drill we need to open (extend) or close (flex) the hips depending on whether we want to catch the rope or not).
To visually guide the body and keep a reference to the vertical axis while doing this type of beats, we can tie a climbing
cordelette from the rigging point to the floor.
33. The Aerial Movement ® © The Aerial Movement 2019