dancer

You may recognize lil Dancer here, he's been all over the news in his short life – and, sadly, the pooch passed away yesterday at the young age of two.

He was up for the title of world's smallest dog for Guinness World Records in 2007, but lost out to an even smaller pooch (I didn't know they came any teensier!). This lil guy was only five inches high and 18 ounces, but his small stature didn't stop him as Dancer often spread his love as a certified member of Caring Canines Therapy Dogs located near his Florida home. It's possible that his diminutive stature may have factored into his death as his human mom, Jenny Gomes said:

The vet didn't expect for him to live past six months. They thought he'd have all sorts of genetic diseases. Maybe that had something to do with it, I don't know.

Check out more pictures of the petite pooch from his Dogster profile below.

Source

When you're new to yoga, balancing poses offer an excellent challenge. On your first attempt you may end up falling over, but once you learn to focus your drishti (your gaze), you'll be able to balance on one leg for a long, long time – or at least five breaths. The Dancer pose stretches your shoulders and chest, increases flexibility in your hips and spine, and is also an amazing hamstring stretch for your standing leg.

Sanskrit Name: Natarajasana English Translation: Lord of the Dance Pose Also Called: Dancer Pose

Want to know how to get into this pose and stay balanced? Then read more

Looking to up the ante in your yoga practice. Well here is a doozie. It is called the Dancer (Natarajasana in Sanskrit). It was sent in by sugar user Claudia and she is no yoga poser. She is an actual yoga instructor based in Chicago. I love that she is doing yoga outside and wearing her power orange top.

Since this pose challenges your sense of balance it helps to quiet the mind (and it probably helps to have a quiet mind before you start too).

Here's a few tips:

• Really, push your foot into your hand to help balance the pose.
• Pick what element of the pose you want to focus on - balance or opening the hip.
• To help with balancing, focus on a stationary spot and hold your gaze there. Concentrating on a steady spot will help to steady you.

You should try to hold for 5-10 breaths.

The pose looks harder than it is, but there are many ways to modify it