Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Dancing Shiva Pose (Seated) Mean?
Dancing Shiva pose (seated) is a twisting yoga posture and a variation on the standing posture dancing Shiva pose. It is entered from the seated twist of half lord of the fishes pose, by keeping the bottom leg grounded and lifting and straightening the top leg so that the foot points straight to the front. The opposite hand clasps the outer edge of the lifted foot, and the torso twists towards the leg, with the other arm open to the side.
This is an important posture in yoga for building the range of motion and understanding of the posture to work towards dancing Shiva pose. It is generally easier than dancing Shiva pose because although it still requires a lot of flexibility, the balance is easier with the pelvis grounded.
Yogapedia Explains Dancing Shiva Pose (Seated)
Some of the benefits of this seated twist include:
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Stretches the legs and IT band
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Improves spinal flexibility
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Releases the hips, especially the muscles of the outer hips
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Stimulates the abdominal organs
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Opens the shoulders and torso
It is also highly regarded as a calming, centring pose which can re-energise the body and mind.
To modify the pose, a strap can be wrapped around the extended leg to make the foot easier to reach, or the knee of the extended leg can be kept bent.
This posture may be practiced towards the end of a sequence of yoga postures, after the body has been warmed and opened through standing postures. Alternatively, it may form part of the warm up for dancing Shiva pose.
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