When performing Natarajasana (King Dancer Pose), how should the neck be positioned?

In Natarajasana, or King Dancer Pose, proper neck positioning is essential for maintaining balance and alignment throughout the pose. The correct choice emphasizes that the sides of the neck should evenly lengthen. This alignment helps to keep the head in a neutral position, allowing for an open throat and chest, which is crucial for the integrity of the pose.

When the sides of the neck are lengthened, it supports the overall alignment of the spine and promotes a sense of ease and grace. This positioning facilitates breath awareness, which is important in yoga practice, especially in balancing poses like Natarajasana.

Other positions might not support the structural integrity of the pose. For instance, looking downward could lead to an imbalance in the body, while tilting the head back might compress the cervical spine and hinder proper breathing. Similarly, tucking the chin in could create tension in the neck, which is not conducive to the fluid movement aimed for in yoga practice. Thus, maintaining even length in the neck is vital for both balance and breath, making it the best approach for this pose.