What are the 5 steps of sway balance?

Answer 1

Step 1:

Posture - Stand with your back straight and chest high. Press your shoulders down away from your ears. Your focus is forward with your chin parallel to the floor.

Step 2:

Footwork - From your standing position, start by stepping forward with your right foot. Slide your left foot around in a half-circle until it lies above your right foot. Slightly step back on your left foot while placing your right foot back to its starting position. After your right foot is placed, your left foot should gently slide back, still above the right foot. Repeat these steps starting with the opposite foot.

Step 3:

Arm position - Start with your arms rounded underneath the chest as though you are holding a beach ball. Keeping your arms round, expand both arms almost as though you are going to give someone a small hug. Bring your right hand above your head while moving your left hand out in front of your chest. Repeat these steps starting finishing with the opposite hand above your head and in front of your chest.

Step 4:

Movement/Timing - As you step forward with your starting foot your arms are beginning to expand. As your foot is sliding in a half-circle, your arms should be moving to its ending position. As you step back to your footwork's final position, your arms should also be in its finishing pose. The rhythm is as follows: 1 2 3 and 4 5 6 7 and 8.

Step 5:

Technique/Character - The sway balance should be performed with grace and pride. All of these steps should flow one after the other as opposed stiff and sloppy.