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Great posture is one of those elusive traits that we all admire in others, but find frustratingly difficult to achieve ourselves. The most disheartening thing about the struggle for perfect posture is that those who have it seem to maintain it effortlessly. While it doesn't come naturally to most of us, there are ways to improve posture while having a little fun.

Your posture is a mirror of your core body strength, and one of the quickest and most rewarding ways to improve your core body strength is to take a beginner dance class. Posture and core strength are essential for dancers because of the balance required to preform even the most basic steps. Beginner ballet classes for adults are offered in most dance centers across the country. The major benefits of taking a class as opposed to trying it at home are the people you will meet and the obvious benefit of having an instructor to guide your progress.

If you simply cannot find the time to take a class there are some basics you can try at home. The first thing you need to learn are the five basic positions of the feet and arms.

First position: Stand up straight beginning with your arms at your sides and your feet together. Now, keeping your heels together move your toes as far apart as you can without stressing your knees. You should be able to feel your your legs moving from the hip. When you feel comfortable bring your arms forward as though you are holding a beach ball. Your arms should be about six inches apart and six inchees from your hips. You are now in first position! As an added strengthener hold your chin up and try to feel as though there is a string coming from the top of your head to the ceiling. Be as tall as possible.

Second position: Starting in first position move your feet apart so they are shoulder width apart. Now, Keeping the arms in the same position move them away from your body until you fingers are aligned with your belly button. Again, make sure to keep your chin up and try to elongate the body.

Third position: Starting in second position. Move your dominant foot back toward your first position. Keep going until the heel of your dominant foot is in front of the arch of your stationary foot. Once you feel balanced, move both of your arms out to your sides. Keep them just below your shoulders and in front of the line of your body. Your arms should still have a bit of a curve to them.

Fourth position: Starting in third position take one step froward with your dominant foot. Make sure to keep your foot comfortably turned out. Now, move your dominant arm above your head. It should be curved, but not past the middle of your head. If you feel balanced look up toward your arm, but make sure that you are still trying to be as long and tall as possible.

Fifth position: Starting in fouth position move your dominant foot back toward your stationary foot your heels and toes should align, but make sure not to turn out past what is comfortable. Move your other arms to match the position of the first. In this position you should make certain that your chin and eyes are raised.

If you can master these five positions while standing up straight and tall not only will you have the basic building blocks for traditional ballet, but you will notice that your posture has visibly improved!

Learn more about this author, Allyssa Kidd.
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