A cartwheel is a dynamic and recognizable movement used in various activities like gymnastics, dance, and martial arts. Essentially, it is a method of moving the body sideways through a specific series of actions.
Defining the Cartwheel
Based on the provided reference, a cartwheel is defined as:
- A sideways rotary movement of the body.
This means the body rotates along an axis that is roughly perpendicular to the direction of travel and the floor.
How a Cartwheel is Performed
The execution of a cartwheel involves a distinct sequence of steps, moving the body from an upright standing position, through an inverted phase, and back to standing.
The process, as described, includes:
- Initiation: Starting from a standing position.
- Hand Placement: Bringing the hands to the floor one at a time.
- Inversion: The body inverts, meaning it turns upside down.
- Leg Movement: The legs travel over the body trunk while at least one hand is on the floor.
- Foot Placement: The feet return to the floor one at a time.
- Completion: Finishing by standing upright again.
This sequence results in a movement where the body effectively rotates sideways over the hands, with the legs swinging overhead.
Movement Characteristics
The key characteristics of a cartwheel as a form of locomotion or movement include:
- It's sideways locomotion.
- It involves rotation of the body.
- There is a phase where the body is inverted.
- It requires sequential placement and lifting of hands and feet.
While often associated with acrobatic or gymnastic performances, the cartwheel is fundamentally a method of moving the body through space using a specific rotary technique.
