Mad Monday Sideways

Mad Monday Sideways

Side seams on clothing and leotards are useful things. When used as directional guides, like lines on a highway, they serve a wonderful purpose. They can be used to check on postural alignment (is the torso straight?); or as a way to keep a sideways stretch truly sideways.

When stretching with one leg on the barre, often a sideways stretch doesn’t align correctly – especially for beginners. There is a perverse tendency for the stretch to go slightly backwards, or become twisted. If students imagine stretching the side seam of their leotard however, the stretch will go directly to the side.

I’m sure there are many other uses for the underappreciated side seam, but the barre stretch is one of the best.

                                                                       

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Ballet Secret #16s

“When stretching sideways, imagine stretching the side seam of your leotard.”

Link of the Day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snhCK_lYR5s

Quote of the Day:

“Stop in somebody's shadow to rest and cool down, and you are lost. No one can make anyone else happy.”
― Peter Deunov

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