How Dancers Can Improve Their Flexibility Improving your flexibility will not only improve your dancing technique but also help to reduce injury when exercising.
In this month’s blog at The Oundle School of Ballet 01832 272981
Always Warm Up First! Before doing any stretching or exercise, you should make sure your body is warm and prepared for any strain you are going to put on it. Without warming up, you are more likely to pull muscles and reduce the gains that can be achieved through these exercises.
Spending time working on your flexibility can also reduce the chances of injury during dance practice as your muscles are stronger and more capable of holding certain positions comfortably. Additionally, your movements will become easier and look more seamless when performing.
Stretching Your Back To work on your lower back, begin by lying on your stomach with your legs straight behind you and gently arch the torso upwards with your arms to either side. For a more advanced version of this stretch, lie in the same position. This time hold your raised legs with your hands, arching your back and looking towards the ceiling.
Then, you can move onto the upper back. Kneel with your feet flat on the ground and lean backwards, your arms straight and hands on your heels. Additionally, mastering the advanced bridge is a great way to continue improving your back flexibility.
Leg Flexibility Achieving the front splits with your legs lying as flat as possible on the floor is an ideal goal for any dancer. Of course, it takes time to be proficient in the stretch, but there are many benefits.
First, work on inner thigh stretches by splitting the legs from a neutral standing position and leaning your torso down, reaching your hands to your feet. The aim is to have your body flat against your leg. Don’t bounce. Just breathe, relax and slowly advance towards the floor.
Another way to improve leg flexibility is to do the frog and butterfly stretch. For this, you sit on the floor with the sole of your feet pressed together, legs crossed, and gently push your knees down.
Find Out More Contact our team at The Oundle School of Ballet in Peterborough today for more information about how dancers can improve their flexibility. Call us on 01832 272981 contact form
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