The Topline Dance Frame

 

The Topline Dance Frame is a revolutionary tool to help you achieve the perfect topline. Suitable for dancers of all ages and sizes it is designed to develop muscle memory, promote full body rotation and enhance the upper-body image. When used regularly during practice and the dance frame can improve your dancing with wonderful results. The Topline Dance Frame now comes with attractive Black and Red striped grips.

To get your Topline dance frame click here.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR TOPLINE DANCE FRAME FOR BALLROOM PRACTICE:

Parts included are: (a) 1 x neck section (b) 2 x stainless steel connectors (c) 2 x arm sections (d) 1 pack of F-grips (in pouch with stainless steel connectors) (e) 1 x pair foam Comfort Grips

To correctly help you assemble and use the frame, we recommend you watch the instructional videos on YouTube video 1 video 2

The F-grips supplied are designed to reduce slippage between the frame and clothing. Peel the F-grip from the backing tape and attach to the neck section in positions where they will be in contact with clothing. We recommend they should be positioned over the shoulder/neck area. (Note: F-grips are non-marking on man-made materials. No such assurances can be offered on materials such as silk or satin)

Place the assembled frame over the shoulders. For correct fitting, the curve of the neck section should sit over the trapezium muscles of the shoulders, which ensures that the frame is angled down the back/neck area (see below).

The end sections should pass under the arms at the mid-point between elbow and armpit and be parallel to the floor. When viewed from the front the frame should align just below the tie knot (see below)

Adopt your normal ballroom set-up position and then have your dance partner/tutor set the frame for width and posture, using the adjustment buttons. For width, we recommend that the frame should be set so that it passes under the arm at the mid-point (or beyond) between the armpit and elbow and be parallel to the floor. If set too narrow the elbows will drop and result in poor posture. The frame should be set so that it puts your arms and shoulders into a neutral, level position. You should feel that the frame is only touching your arms and that you are not resting the weight of your arms onto the frame, but that it is naturally encouraging you to adopt a more positive, upright position.

Allow your dance partner to join you in dance hold. The frame should not infringe upon their position or hold. If it does, re-set your dance position (with your partner/tutors’ assistance) and if necessary, re-set the frame via the adjustment buttons.

You are now ready to start dancing. You should feel that the dance frame encourages you to maintain a full, open topline. Wearing the frame will encourage body rotation to start through the core centre and not the shoulders.

TANGO SET UP

The frame can be adjusted for TANGO by off-setting the assembly. Lower the right neck connection to its lowest point and bring in the right arm connection by one or two stops. This will allow a slight lowering of the right arm, enabling a closer hold of the partner.

RECOMMENDED SETTINGS

A – Normal setting (highest) for Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz B – Lower setting (W, F, Q, VW) C - Lowest setting (Tango) D – Normal setting (all five ballroom dances) E/F – lower settings only used to improve comfort

1 – Narrowest setting (Tango) 2 – Middle setting (Tango) 3 – Widest (normal) setting (W, F, Q, VW) 4 – Narrowest setting 5 – Middle setting 6 – Widest (normal) setting for all five ballroom dances

TANGO HOLES (7/8) - Allows the right side to be rotated & narrowed for greater adjustment

To get your Topline dance frame click here.