What is Contrary Body Movement (CBM)?
Contrary body movement is a body action where we turn the opposite side of the body (hip and shoulder) towards the moving foot, which can be moving forward or backwards. Varying degrees of CBM are utilized depending upon the type of turn and/or the amount of turn required. Terms such as, strong CBM would indicate a greater use of the opposite side of the body, and slight CBM would indicate a milder turn of the opposite side of the body. Why do we use CBM? Contrary Body Movement is used generally to initiate turn. CBM also helps to create swing, which in turn helps to create sway. Without CBM turning figures become a difficult chore rather than a graceful action. The degree of CBM necessary to initiate a turn requiring one or more rotations on one foot would certainly be much stronger than a turn requiring only 1/8 or 1/4 rotation. Where does CBM come from? Contrary Body Movement is created by using the supporting leg to rotate the body in the direction of the desired turn. It must be n
