The Butterfly Flight: an inverted standing position for experienced couples

Instead of the near split, she raises both legs straight up and rests them together against his chest and shoulder.

Both legs go up together instead of one up and one to the side, so less hip flexibility is needed and he can hold both ankles with one arm.

1. She lies on her back on a firm mat and lifts her hips while he stands at her head in a lunge.
2. She raises both legs straight up, close together, and rests them against his chest and one shoulder.
3. He wraps one arm around both ankles and holds her hip with the other hand.
4. He moves with short, controlled strokes, and they stop if her neck or hips feel strained.

Like a shoulder stand, she props up her lower back with both hands, taking weight off his arms.

Her elbows rest on the floor and her hands support her lower back, so her shoulders and arms share the load and her hips are more stable.

1. She lies on her back and lifts her hips, bending her elbows on the floor.
2. She places both hands on her lower back, fingers pointing up, to hold her hips steady.
3. He stands in a lunge, rests one of her legs against his shoulder and holds her hip lightly.
4. He keeps the movement short and gentle; she can lower her hips at any moment.

A firm folded blanket or cushion goes under her shoulders, never under her head, to protect the neck.

The blanket raises the shoulders slightly so the neck bends less and the weight falls on the shoulders rather than the head; the rest of the position stays the same.

1. Fold a firm blanket and place it on the floor, with the edge where her shoulders will go.
2. She lies with her shoulders on the blanket and her head on the floor just beyond it.
3. She lifts her hips while he stands in a lunge and holds her raised leg and hip.
4. They move slowly and check that her neck is comfortable before increasing the rhythm.