Dance of Shiva: Transquarter

Namaste,
One of the excellent features of the Dance of Shiva is that with just four positions in each pattern it is still possible to create many variations to continue expanding our coordination and focus. The idea of transquarters is to learn to ‘skip’ one of the positions, so that instead of going 1-2-3-4, you can go from 1 to 3, 2 to 4, 3 to 1 and 4 to 2. This can be applied to both the Horizontal and Vertical patterns.

The pattern is:

• Move from 1 to 3
• Return to 1
• Advance from 1 to 2
• Move from 2 to 4
• Return to 2
• Advance from 2 to 3
• Move from 3 to 1
• Return to 3
• Advance from 3 to 4
• Move from 4 to 3
• Return to 4
• Complete the pattern by advancing from 4 to 1

When this is simple enough you may explore going faster.

Video

In this video you can see an example of the Transquarter pattern applied to the horizontal and the vertical patterns.

One of the things you may notice as you practice is that there may be a running commentary in your head. Just try to practice and focus on the sensations and on saying the numbers of the positions as you move. I hope that you enjoy this practice.

If you like this practice, there is a very complete DVD on the Theory and Practice of the Dance of Shiva by Andrey Lappa on Pranamaya.com.

Peace,
rubén

More Dance of Shiva articles:

• Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Introduction
• Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Starting with Arms in Different Positions
• Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Combining Horizontal and Vertical
• Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Linking Horizontal – Vertical
• Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Transquarter
• Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Arms and Legs
• Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Arms and Legs 3D