BALANCING

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The secret to balancing is to always watch the top. It is easiest to balance tall objects which have a high center of mass. This allows more time to see which way the object is moving.     One of the best ways to teach balancing is to use slow-moving peacock feathers, or balloons on sticks. Each has a high center of mass, and they move slowly enough for even very young children to have success at balancing.

    The chin or the forehead are the safest places to balance objects on the head - objects balanced on the nose can slip and fall into the eye. Caution students not to run around while balancing, because they won’t be able to see where they are going. Consequently, balancers should have "right-of-way" in the practice area. Another option is to have children sit down for their first attempts at balancing.

1. Basic Hand Balance: Hold your hand out flat, palm up. Stand up the feather/balloon on this hand. Watch the TOP, let go, and move your hand to keep the feather/balloon standing straight up.

 

2. Balancing on Other Body Parts: Directions to students should always include “watch the TOP”. - Try to balance on your: Fingertips, elbows, shoulders.

 

Tilt your head back and balance on your chin. Be sure it is standing straight up before you let go. Try balancing on your forehead Try the hardest balance of all: Stand on one foot, and then try to balance the feather/balloon on your toes! You have to balance yourself and the object at the same time!