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What are good stretches for dancing flexibility?

Here are some stretches that can help you improve your flexibility for dancing:

1. Plié: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your toes turned out slightly. Bend your knees, keeping your back straight, until you feel a stretch in your calves and thighs. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat.

2. Arabesque: Stand with one leg in front of the other, with the back leg straight and the front leg bent at the knee. Reach your arms up and overhead, and gently bend backwards until you feel a stretch in your back and hamstrings. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg in front.

3. Grand battement: Stand with one leg in front of the other, with the back leg straight and the front leg bent at the knee. Kick the back leg up as high as you can, keeping the leg straight and your core engaged. Hold for a second and then lower the leg back down. Repeat 10 times on each leg.

4. Rond de jambe: Stand with one leg in front of the other, with the back leg straight and the front leg bent at the knee. Circle the back leg around in a clockwise and then counterclockwise motion, keeping the leg as straight as possible. Repeat 10 times on each leg.

5. Développé: Stand with one leg in front of the other, with the back leg straight and the front leg bent at the knee. Point the back leg and slowly extend it out in front of you, keeping the leg as straight as possible. Hold for 30 seconds and then lower the leg back down. Repeat 10 times on each leg.

6. Hamstring stretch: Lie on your back with one leg extended and the other bent at the knee. Place your hands behind your bent knee and gently pull the knee towards your chest until you feel a stretch in your hamstring. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg.

7. Calf stretch: Stand facing a wall with your hands shoulder-height. Place one foot behind you with the heel on the floor and the toes pointing up. Bend the front knee and lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch in your calf. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg.

8. Hip flexor stretch: Kneel on one knee with the other foot in front of you. Place your hands on your front thigh and gently push your hips forward until you feel a stretch in your hip flexor. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg.

9. Back extension: Lie on your back with your legs extended and your arms by your side. Slowly raise your upper body until your chest is off the ground and your legs are still touching the floor. Hold for 30 seconds and then lower back down. Repeat 10 times.

10. Cat-cow stretch: Start on your hands and knees with your wrists aligned under your shoulders and your knees aligned under your hips. Inhale and arch your back upwards, dropping your head and tailbone. Exhale and round your back down, tucking your chin to your chest. Repeat for 10 breaths.

Remember to warm up before stretching and to not push too hard. Always stretch within your limits and consult a professional if you have any concerns or injuries.

Dancing Basics

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