The limbo is an upbeat, inclusive dance which involves little to no technical dancing skill. Its origins are rooted in Caribbean slave history, where the passage of bodies onto ships required increasingly lower stances as ceilings became lower and lower within inferior decks. Although balance and flexibility both greatly improve one's chances of lasting in a limbo line, people of all ages may enjoy this activity, now practiced as a party dance staple.
Instructions
1. Twist the end of a broom off the stick, storing it until the end of all limbo activities.
2. Find two volunteers to hold either end of the broomstick. It is important that the two individuals chosen are careful to keep the broomstick at an equal distance from the ground for every person who will pass under it to ensure fairness.
3. Line all participants up informally in front of or behind the broomstick holders.
4. Pass underneath the broomstick with your shoulders leaning backwards, nose facing the broomstick and with only your feet touching the ground. Be sure not to touch the broomstick with any part of the body, including the face, only allowing yourself to raise into a standing position once you have completely passed underneath the stick.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4, having the volunteers lower the broomstick in equal increments each time all participants have passed (successfully or otherwise) underneath the stick. Continue doing the limbo until only one person is able to pass underneath the broomstick, signaling the end of the dance.
