This is an introduction to the exercises that trains and drills the techniques basic 32 positions. The spider is communicative, and in choreography, there are multiple variations and alternations of these. Doing these drills gives access, alignment, coordination and helps train paths of movement and preps neuro-paths.

In order to train rhythmicality, the sequences are often also done to various rhythmic structures. It is important to learn variation in speed, attack, timing, and rendering your interpretation on rhythm. Here you have one example of this.

This example combines wrist and rhythmicality. Notice the dynamics afforded by using the hips, and how this changes and curves the paths. It is also a good way to start to study the principle of "energy dictates form" rather than "form dictates energy". While doing this exercise contemplate the difference in these two approaches.

Counterpositions are when we separate the left and right sides from each other. The variation that goes through the most commonplace counterpositions is sectioned by fours. In this variation one hand is in position 4 and the other in positions 1. The one that starts in position one, will be doing 1,2,3,4 the one that starts in position four will be doing 4,3,2,1. The next section will then be 5,6,7,8 and 8,7,6,5 and it will continue like that in sections of four.

This is an introduction to the 14 basic positions of the feet. These also deal with various uses of weight. Stepping into or out of a position is radically different weightwise. While you do this study how gravity flows through your body. These accommodate various undulations, wines, grooves, transitions, and spirals. Each position affects the body's grounding differently.

Right foot moves. Pay special attention to how the movement is hip initiated. This gives you grounding, magnetism to the floor and that unique movement quality that so many African Aesthetic dances are infused with.

Intermediate level alternated between left and right foot, together with hip initiated movement this causes you to have to adjust how you send the floor through your body. Often this happens in neck-breaking speeds in choreography and improvisation. Make sure to do this with various speed.  While you do this study how gravity flows through your body. These accommodate various undulations, wines, grooves, transitions, and spirals. Each position affects the body's grounding differently.

Right foot moves first (starting from position 1). Pay special attention to how the movement is hip initiated. This gives you grounding, magnetism to the floor and that unique movement quality that so many African Aesthetic dances are infused with.

The Flamingo is an exercise that focuses especially on balance and foot placement where you have to balance on one foot. It has the regular bird positions up until position 11 and then goes into a special alteration. Pay close attention to ankle and knee and how these are used in this variation.

These exercises combine alternating as well as using the various movements to shift direction in the room as well as moving across the floor. It teaches you which direction the movement turns you and how you shift and travel in the room. This helps you choose which foot to do it with according to which result you want. It also helps you anticipate spacing.

Pay attention to paths, alterations. The 7 position repeats twice and the pulsing doubles up from position 7 as well. This has to do with the following exercise where the 32 arm positions are added on top of the movement.

THE SNAKE

The spine has 7 levels of isolation in the Talawa Technique. This exercise gives you contact with these 7 levels and allows you to access these in various ways. Often the size of an isolation, spiral or circle but rather which isolation is accessed.

This exercise connects the various levels of the snake and allows you to isolate through flow. Placing the hands on the body helps awareness of how the isolations are sensated and placed.