Dance is an expression of joy. Breathing & Yin- Yang apply aquatic principles to basic tech- niques of Korean traditional dance. It will allow you to feel comfort and joy when you move in rhythm with your breath. The meaning of Yin & Yang is 'body & mind' or ‘minus & plus'. The smooth and round movement in breath- ing rhythm displays this simple concept. First, notice the breathing rhythm that enters (plus) and exits (minus) the lungs by inhaling and exhaling as you move. Next, the movements must be large and round, like the earth, flowing from inside to outside and again. I've been meditating for 20 years. When meditating, posture and breath alignment are first even and then deepen as deeper meditation is reached. Recently, brain scientists have proven neuroplasticity – the brain can change and adapt due to experiences. Meditation can transform our brains into positive, happy brains. There are many medi- tation-related breath training programs. Breathing becomes easier and more rhythmical when the body is held erect without any conscious effort, which is when its entire weight is supported by the skeletal structure (Feldenkrais 2009). I recommend breathing exercises in water. I think breathing awareness integrated into aquatic exercise can provide fulfillment, much like the effect of meditation. An instruc- tor who incorporated this breathing rhythm into his aquatic program explained, "All the students were smiling at me as I lead the class!” This is a positive example of how aquatic exercise with focused breathing rhythms can promote proper breathing while bringing joy to movement. When moving the body above and below the water’s surface, the properties of water can transform simple movements into core training. If the breathing rhythm of exhala- tion and inhalation is added, we achieve a dance. The body is in tune with the rhythm of breathing while being wrapped gently with the water. Movements flow toward the pool bottom and rise toward the water surface, following the undulations of a peaceful wave. Dynamic movements of the hands and feet create soothing and humble gestures that offer feelings of happiness and confidence. According to embryology, our bodies with three-dimensional spatial structures are developed in a single sphere (fertilized egg). Therefore, both linear and circular move- ments are necessary for human body function, as well as twisting, spiral, and multifac- eted movements. Symmetrical, asymmetrical, and reciprocal patterns can be integrated into simple movement variations and supplemented by breathing for a full-body experi- ence. A slow tempo allows the integration of body awareness, changing the quality and quantity of movement and creating a pleasant experience. If something is to benefit a person, there must be action. Continuing to perform this action allows the mind to find positive acceptance, which then makes it easier to move the body. It becomes a continuous circle of learning and doing. I am grateful to have the opportunity to study and share these concepts and feel awe again about this highly developed world of science and the mysterious human body. AUTHOR MeeHee Park is one of AEA’s amazing IAFTC 2023 Presenters. Click here to find out more about MeeHee and the sessions she is offering. Breathing and the Yin-Yang By MeeHee Park Limited Pool Space-Unlimited Options By Mushi Debora Harush, MA Are your classes limited by avail- able pool space? Well, I absolutely am. During the summer, I teach in an open pool with lots of space, but during the winter, I am limited to only two lanes with almost 20 to 25 partic- ipants per class. When we have a problem to solve, we become creative to overcome the obstacle. It was clear to me that until winter was over, teaching would be a challenge. I decided to embrace this and organize a class where par- ticipants could enjoy a good exercise experience and train as hard. What I had in mind had to be safe, effective, and fun! The general goal was to maximize the available pool space while designing a class where each participant had ade- quate space to practice without feel- ing cramped. In addition, I wanted to make sure to address health and fitness components, such as aerobic capac- ity, muscular endurance and strength, muscle balance, power, coordination, mobility with movement in all planes, and good posture and body alignment. 28 | Akwa | March / April / May 2023
