Flexibility is a critical building block for a successful ballet dancer. Flexible dancers tend to have a wider range of motion. This helps protect against injury and enables more elegant lines in their dance routines.
And no matter how flexible you already are, there is probably more room for improvement.
The best way to improve your flexibility is to consistently stretch every day. Schedule your time at the dance studio or at home to make sure you are dedicating time to do this every day.
Don’t push your body further than it can go. If stretching is hurting you, that is a sign you may be damaging your muscles or tendons, so be careful.
Ask your teachers, how they stretch, how often they stretch, and any other tips they have since they have spent a considerable longer portion of their lives dancing.
Back Flexibility
The stretch, “The Superman” comes from Dance Teacher Connect and is a great way to improve your back flexibility.
First, lay down on the ground flat on your stomach. Then, raise your upper body off the ground as high as possible without using your arms for support (your back and chest muscles should pull you up). Go as high as you can, and then return to the start position.
Dance Teacher Connect blog recommends repeating this movement three times to build the muscles around your spine, therefore improving back flexibility.
Hip Flexor Stretch
Dance Spirit Magazine has a superb list of dynamic stretches that dancers can do. Brynn Jinnett, creator of Refine Method of New York City, told the magazine that dancers don’t do enough dynamic stretches that can improve their overall range of motion.
Try practicing some of the stretching suggestions in the above link, and we think you will be on your way to increased flexibility and more success on the dance floor. And remember, always stretch with the correct form to maximize your results.
