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Show dance technique4 minutes

Landing lifts safely: A guide to catching

In a nutshell
  • When lowering, the carrier absorbs the partner's weight primarily by controlled bending of their own knees.
  • The flyer actively maintains body tension until standing completely on the floor.
  • The hands and arms of both partners maintain supportive grip contact until balance is fully restored.

The most beautiful flight loses its shine if the landing feels uncertain. With the right technique, you catch your partner gently and finish every lift elegantly and without injury.

What you need for your landing training

  • Sufficient leg strength in the lifter for deep squats
  • Good core stability for both dance partners
  • Non-slip training floor or gymnastics mats
  • Form-fitting clothing without annoying zippers
  • Agreement on a clear stop signal

Why the landing is the most important part of a lift

A spectacular lift magically draws the audience's attention in show dance, but the applause is often decided only during the descent. Whoever shines at the top must arrive safely at the bottom. When lowering, enormous physical forces are at play that briefly multiply the body weight of the person flying. Without the right technique for catching, there is a risk of painful falls or joint strain. Landing in partner acrobatics therefore requires the same precision and concentration as the ascent.

To consistently avoid injuries during training and on stage, both partners must act as a well-coordinated team. The lifter does not catch the mass with the pure muscle power of the arms, but directs the energy into the ground through their legs. The flyer, in turn, supports this process through active body tension until the final contact with the floor. It helps to familiarize yourself with the basic safety rules for dance acrobatics before training to ensure you train injury-free from the start and internalize the movement patterns cleanly.

Land lifts safely in five steps

  1. Initiate the descent in a controlled manner

    The base initiates the landing with a clear, gentle signal or a controlled downward pulse. The flyer keeps their torso firmly engaged to avoid collapsing.

  2. Keep the center of gravity close to your body

    The base guides the flyer's pelvis down close to their own body. The closer the centers of gravity stay to each other, the less leverage is placed on the base's arms.

  3. Rolling over the balls of your feet

    The flyer lands on the balls of their feet first to cushion the initial impact. Only then do the heels lower in a controlled manner, while the knees yield slightly.

  4. Springing elastically in the knees

    At the moment of contact with the floor, the person goes deep into their knees to softly absorb the remaining falling energy. The arms accompany the movement, but they do not carry the main load.

  5. Only release the hold once in a secure position

    Both partners maintain the supporting hold on the hips, hands, or shoulders until the flyer is standing stably and is in complete control of their own balance.

Avoiding mistakes when landing in partner acrobatics

Like this

  • Cushion your weight using your thigh muscles
  • Maintain body tension until you are standing securely
  • Place your feet down silently and in a controlled manner
  • Use the hand contact as additional support

What to avoid

  • Landing or bracing yourself with straight legs
  • Relaxing your muscles prematurely while in the air
  • Hitting the floor hard with your heels
  • Letting go of your partner before you have a secure footing

The schedule for safe training

Before taking it down

Preparation

While lowering

During

After the stance

Afterwards

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. The lifter absorbs the weight by bending their knees deeply at the moment the partner makes contact with the floor. This dissipates the vertical impact force through the thighs and protects the spine.

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