2 3 Fun Friday Stretch | Ballet Webb

Friday, August 15, 2014

Fun Friday Stretch


Fun Friday Stretch

A common problem, and one that can be hazardous, happens during stretches.  The dancer’s focus is, naturally enough, on the working leg – the one being stretched.  Whether it is on the barre, or during a foot-in-hand stretch, the attention is exclusively given to the stretching leg and the supporting leg is ignored.

This is a big problem!  If the supporting leg is allowed to relaxed and do its own thing, often the turn-out relaxes and the knee rolls forward.  It is now no longer aligned over the foot – a twisted and dangerous position.  This is often the source of knee injuries and even dislocations.  Scary stuff.

So remember that the position of the supporting leg is just as important as the work being done on the stretching leg.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #15p:  
“Always be aware of the supporting leg - especially the knee - when stretching.”

                Link of the Day:

Quote of the Day:
“Stretching his hand up to reach the stars, too often man forgets the flowers at his feet.”
-          Jeremy Bentham


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