Lesson 3: Acrobatics Alright the first one we will do is a Cartwheel, it is very basic and I am sure you already know it but it is good to do things over, staying in practice is key! Strid then did a cartwheel in slow motion, Savacea nodded her head and smiled following suit. Hers how ever was not as graceful as she was out of practice from doing it. So she inhaled a deep breath, put her hands in the air, tilted over wheeling over with her legs straight and softly ending the cart wheel. Strid smiled,
Good, good, at least you are not like some who have no knowledge of Acrobatics. Wonderful, then we will move on to bigger and better things my lovely! Strid said excitedly.
Savacea grinned hungry for more, as Strid did an Acrobatic position that seemed easy and elegant. Which of course coming from her, everything seem effortless. She was not sure if it was because she was a Ghost or if it was from all the years she spent Dancing.
Savacea laid on her stomach on the floor as Strid had done, leaning her legs up but they would not go up. Strid came over supporting her legs,
I will do it this time for you so you can get the feel of it with your body and muscles, to know what you need to feel to do it. She instructed as she took Savacea's legs, leaning them up and making one bend at the knee. The bent leg she placed the foot on top of Savacea's head, with the other leg she extended it out, telling her to point her toes and she did so. The muscles straining slightly in her back and legs, making her neck cramp slightly.
Okay now that you know what it feels like, you can do it yourself. She said faintly, leaving Savacea do practice it on her own, but staying close by in case she needed help.
Savacea attempted the move herself, raising her legs up in the air behind her multiple times, before finally she got them both on her head. But as she extended her leg, she would fall out of the pose. She repeated it over and over again, until she found her balance and successfully completed to Acrobatic move. She did not realize how much flexibility was involved in dancing, and was definitely getting her work out, plus stamina was involved as well. She felt wonderful from the work out though, the sweat beading on her body and rolling off of it was a reward in her eyes, for her hard work that she put into pleasing the teacher.
Finally, it took you long enough. The next one is even harder so pay attention! Strid said in a stern tone, as she took the stance and position. Just like before it looked so elegant and easy, she was getting irritated at how easy she made it all look, but she supposed that was why she was the teacher.
She placed her arms in front of her, the sides of the underside pressed up against the floor, lifting her body weight up as she did before but fell out of it. Her muscles were beginning to get tired from all this Acrobatic moves. Her stamina was starting to wane too, the thirst for water great now. She felt like giving up, but decided it was best to keep at this one move first before doing so.
She resumed her position with her arms, lifting her legs into the air, she grasped her foot with her hands and quickly bent her other at the knee. Wobbling slightly, Strid came over holding her still until she found her balance. Once she found her balance she held her move for a few minutes before her muscles gave out and she went out of the pose.
Good, Good. Now you can stand up, there is water for you over there at the table. Get a drink and come right back. Savacea nodded too tired and out of breath to speak at the moment. She grabbed the cup and took a sip of it, her breath coming out and in quicker then when she started. She inhaled and exhaled deeply to control her breathing and calm her racing heart. Savacea relished the water, taking her time to drink it, after about ten minutes she was finished with it. Wiping at her face she came back over to Strid.
Alright now that you have rested a little the next move I will spot you in. After saying this she did a back hand stand smoothly and quickly, raising her arms in the air with a smile.
Savacea smiled back,
"Alright, I will do my best." She said on a sigh, as she took the position. Strid stood beside her with her arms out, ready to spot her on the move. Savacea held her arms out, then leaned down forcing her body over, Strid coming in to spot and helping her to complete the back handstand. Strid and her repeated the move a few times before she was ready to do it with out any help.
Savacea looked over, Strid still standing there in case she needed assistance, as she inhaled deeply and exhaled. She raised her arms in the air, flinging herself backwards her hands connected with the floor, then her legs came sloppily over her head.
Try to be more graceful with it, again! Strid instructed and Savacea sighed repeating it, though it was still a sloppy mess. This went on for ten minutes, until her arms were so tired and aching. She dug in for the determination to get her through, as she tried again. This time it was a bit more graceful but not matching Strids.
Much better dear! Still needs work, but can't expect one to be perfect the first time. She said wistfully, Savacea nodded in agreement, she would have to continue working on these moves to become more fluid and graceful with thim.
Alright, the last move I will teach you today is this.. Strid trailed off as she ran and did a scissor split in the air and landed with out a sound on the ground. It was exquisite and beautiful. Her long legs were so elegant, Savacea was not sure she could ever match such grace.
Savacea ran kicking her legs out, but they did not extend out far enough, and landed with a loud thud. She sighed, repeating the move over and over again. Savacea ran again, kicking her legs out, that went further but not far enough, and her landing was still not soundless. But it was better then what it was, it was just another thing that had to be worked on further. It would take time and days before she could do any better.
Alright, I think that is all your body can take for one day. You need to build up your stamina and flexiblitiy a little bit more. Try running ever now and then, do stretches, and practice the splits to help yourself a little more with the moves. The next time you came we will breifly go over today's lesson to see if you are indeed practicing on them still, then we will learn some dance moves. Speaking of, what type of dance do you prefer? "Aerial dancing maam." Savacea replied in a short manner as she was out of breath from the activities of the day. Strid nodded,
I will see what I can do, until next time lovely, you did a good job today. Remember practice, practice, practice! She said, then floated away.
Savacea sighed as she turned to leave. Her whole body ached in places she never even thought would be aching. Her muscles felt strained and tired, and she looked down noticing a few bruises on her arms. She was going to be so sore the next day, Strid was a great teacher though she was stern and liked her students to figure things out for themselves, although she was always there for assistance when ever they needed it. She liked that about her, she just did not like how her body was feeling though.