17:27 Nov 10, 2009 

"Doesn't mean anything to me" is a valid argument, though, since you could be considered part of the target audience. I think the audience will include American, Canadian and British acrobats, as well as people of various other nationalities whose acquired English is better than their acquired French. I think I will drop a note to the client saying that I understand "côtes vers l’intérieur" to mean thoracic spine in its normal slight flexion and scapulae neutral and am using the English "closed ribcage" likewise, in case there are any concerns. And if anyone disagrees with my interpretation, please feel more than free to let me know.

16:11 Nov 10, 2009 

Sorry! I therefore retract the phrase ""closed ribs" doesn't really mean anything" (or add "doesn't mean anything to me"!!)

It is a few years since I practiced Sports Acro and I'm sure it all depends on the club and the coach, but in my (no doubt very limited) experience, adjustments were generally explained in simple terms ;)

16:04 Nov 10, 2009 

Closed is used in ballet too. "Pulling down towards the floor" is more specifically descriptive, though.

15:58 Nov 10, 2009 

Actually, "closed" ribs or ribcage is used in Pilates, although I don't really like the term either, but it does mean to keep normal flexion/kyphosis in the thoracic spine, not allowing arm movements to pull the thoracic spine into extension, letting the ribcage "pop" of the mat. I think this is what is meant here, although I may decide your way of expressing it is better, since I think the term "closed" may be quite specific to Pilates - especialy since you don't use it in yoga.

15:53 Nov 10, 2009 

No, "closed ribs" doesn't really mean anything. I would describe it in more simple terms.

They are describing all the adjustments that you need to make to get the spine absolutely straight, which is what the base needs to do in this position. The ribs feel as if they are pulling towards the floor, from the solar plexus, which is where the "inwards" bit comes from. Since the pull comes from the solar plexus, the ribs do rotate slightly "inwards".

In my present manifestation as a yoga teacher, I find "inwards" and "outwards" unhelpful terms, as they often mean different things to different people.

15:47 Nov 10, 2009 

Hi Cath. Yes, I googled some images of "front angel" and it matches my picture, thanks very much. I think "closed" as stated above is probably right, meaning the thoracic spine is not allowed to pop into extension?

15:39 Nov 10, 2009 

Hi Joan, I'd have to see a pic, but from your description, it sounds like front angel to me.

15:29 Nov 10, 2009 

The position is called "L’avion" in French. Since I have you, is this correctly called "Airplane"? I came across a couple sites that made me think the position is called "Flyer" in English instead. The base uses his hands to hold the hands of the top partner while she gets into position, then his arms are stretched out by his sides while his legs support the top partner in the final position.

15:24 Nov 10, 2009 

Hi Joan, I did Sports Acro for years, so may be able to help ;) Which position is this? Are the base's arms being used to support the top or are they lying flat on the ground?