Natarajasana

Lord of the Dance Pose, Natarajasana A standing backbend and balance in one. The hand catches the inside of the lifted foot, the foot kicks back into the hand to raise the leg, and the free arm reaches forward for counterweight. The photo shows a deep version, with the lifted foot well above head height. It opens the front of the hips, the chest and the shoulders while the standing leg does the steady work. Start by holding the foot behind you with the knees side by side, then hinge forward only a little at a time.