The Proper Way to Bow?

[Legato]

I was taught to stand up straight with my arms at my sides and bend forward from the torso, keeping my back straight and arms along the side of my body.  Things to avoid would be putting your hands on your belly or just tipping your head forward in a nodding fashion.

Is this with what others do?  I’m anticipating a lengthy reply from Bernhard on the history of bowing and how it relates to tai chi.  

[newsgroupeuan]

I was taught to stand up straight with my arms at my sides and bend forward from the torso, keeping my back straight and arms along the side of my body.  Things to avoid would be putting your hands on your belly or just tipping your head forward in a nodding fashion.

Is this with what others do?  I’m anticipating a lengthy reply from Bernhard on the history of bowing and how it relates to tai chi.  

Have a look here:

https://www.pianoforum.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=perf;action=display;num=1080815234;start=9

Best wishes,
Euan.






(Who here thought it was Bernhard?  )

[Saturn]

Many people look at the bow as merely a performance ritual, something you do out of tradition.  However, its purpose is to communicate three main things:

1) To greet the audience
2) Submission - "I am at your service"
3) Gratitude to the audience for attending the performance, appreciating the music, applauding, etc.

So, however you bow, it should communicate these things.  Try looking up some info on bowing in Japanese culture.  Even if not all of it is useful to know for a music performance, it's still interesting to learn and may help you attach some significance to it.

- Saturn

[f0bul0us]

Have a look here:

https://www.pianoforum.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=perf;action=display;num=1080815234;start=9

Best wishes,
Euan.

How to properly bow? Are you kidding?

[Legato]

Thanks for the replies (and links).  I really like the ideas that Saturn put forth.  Next time I bow I'll keep in mind: submission and gratitude...

Rob

[newsgroupeuan]

How to properly bow? Are you kidding?

Blast! all for nothing.... wrong link