With the increased amount of time at home, many Allegro dancers are taking this opportunity to focus on flexibility and strength training at home. 

Flexibility and strength are both integral parts of growing in technique in dance class – both in person and online studios. There are two types of stretching, dynamic and static, both of which are essential for dancers. At Allegro, we take the safety and well being of students very seriously and follow a progressive curriculum to advancing flexibility.

To understand how dynamic and static stretches differ and why they’re beneficial, take note of the following. 

Dynamic vs. Static Stretching

Dynamic

As the name suggests, dynamic stretches involve activity; dancers don’t stay in one position for any amount of time. Typically, dynamic stretches are integrated in the beginning of a dance class. They stretches prepare the body for the task at hand by engaging multiple muscle groups at a time. As dancers practice several repetitions of these movements, blood begins flowing, the body becomes warm, and limbs are loose. Not only does it feel great, but it also minimizes the risk of sustaining an injury. A few examples of these are arm circles, hip stretches with a twist, and high kicks. 

Static 

Whereas dynamic stretches depend on motion, as you might have guessed, static stretches do not. Static stretches are designed to increase flexibility, relieve tension, and improve range of motion, one muscle group at a time. With these, dancers are meant to hold the pose; the duration can last from 10 seconds to a minute. Common static stretches include toe touches, hamstring stretches, and arm and shoulder stretches. In a dance class, they’re typically reserved for the end, after the body is warm and limber. A long static stretch can feel wonderful for sore muscles! However, if there’s been an ample warm-up at the beginning, the instructors often implement static stretches at the beginning of class as well. 

Allegro student’s are finding great value in the strengthening and stretching workshops offered in the online studio! Be sure to tune into Allegro’s free and open Fitness Forward classes as well. Fitness Forward implements both dynamic and static stretching, while integrating strengthening exercises as well! Sign up here: https://www.allegrodancemusic.com/fitnessforward.html

If you’re eager to put this in practice in a real dance class or have a child who wants to do so, visit Allegro School of Dance & Music. For more than 30 years, this Rochester, MN, school has taught a wide variety of dance styles to students of all ages. Whether it’s ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, or hip-hop, their trained and experienced instructors will get you moving with confidence in no time! You can learn more about their dance classes online, but if you have questions, feel free to call them at (507) 288-0125.