Arts >> Dance >> Ballet

How do I Get a Perfect Dance Body?

Dancers train for years to obtain their lean, toned physiques. The most iconic and classic dancer body type is achieved largely through ballet and ballet-inspired workouts. The style focuses on perfect posture, turning out hips and feet, always pointing the feet when they're not touching the ground and stretching the leg completely when it isn't bent. As you perform simple ballet moves to achieve a dancer's body, focus on keeping your muscles tight and body aligned for stronger results.

Things You'll Need

  • Dance/workout clothing
  • Chair/counter/window sill
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Stretch before dancing. It warms up your muscles, making them supple and lengthening your body for a long and lean dancer physique. Lie on your back, and pull your ankle toward your face very gently. Eventually, you'll be able to stretch your leg straight while doing this. Repeat with the other leg.

    • 2

      Execute bends that help dancers sculpt their hips, thighs and gluts. Stand with your heels touching and your toes pointed out, first position. Tuck your hips under and pull your chest and shoulders up and open. Place your arms in first position, as if you're holding a gigantic ball in front of you. Bend your knees gently, tightening your stomach, leg and glut muscles. Keep them tightened as you slowly straighten your legs again. Do not move your torso or bend forward during this exercise.

    • 3

      Strengthen and sculpt your calves and core muscles for legs with muscular definition and lean lines. Stand in first position with arms in first position as well, as if you're holding a large ball. Rise up on the balls of your feet, and hold the pose for several seconds. Slowly lower yourself down. Keep your muscles tight during this entire exercise. If you have trouble keeping your balance, hold your muscles tighter, especially your legs.

    • 4

      Practice wide plies to firm your thighs and gluts. Hold a chair, counter or window sill with one arm, placing the other on your hip. Stand with your feet in a wide stance, about 3 feet apart or so. Turn your feet out slightly. Tuck your pelvis under, like you would a basic plie. Bend your knees and lower your rear toward your knees. Slowly move up 1 inch and down 1 inch around knee level. Sustain this movement for 15 seconds, then rest. Build up to faster, small movements for 30 seconds over time.

    • 5

      Stand in your wide plie stance, second position. Hold onto the chair, counter or windowsill, and rise onto the balls of your feet. Plie with your heels still raised, lowering as far as you can. Raise your free arm above your head, and hold it there. Press your knees back, and hold for 30 seconds, keeping your posture and tightening your muscles. Repeat the exercise.

Ballet

Related Categories