The Family Dances

Today we’re adding onto ginga with meia lua de frente, one of our core kicks. A forward, rounding kick, it literally translates to “front half moon.” This is great to do with little ones while you’re learning your flow with the kick, because they can partner with you and escape (duck under) your kick. If you’re practicing solo today, grab a stool or a chair that you feel comfortable kicking over. The goal is to move as fluidly as possible from the ginga into meia lua de frente. Be sure to practice on both legs, and notice if one side is more open, or more stiff than the other. This workout really activates the quadriceps, strengthens the achilles tendon (especially if you’re the one escaping the kicks), and builds muscle dexterity for the knees and ankles. Do a nice warm-up before you start, taking care to really stretch your legs and open up your spine.