How to Improve Flexibility for Dancers
Having a wide range of motion is useful for everyone, but It is especially important for dancers since it helps them move more gracefully while they perform. If you’re taking dance classes and aren’t as flexible as you would like to be, there are some easy ways to improve. This guide will share some tips for getting more flexible as a dancer.
Tips for Becoming More Flexible
It’s best to incorporate a combination of breathwork, static stretching, and dynamic stretching. Start out slow and never push your body into a painful position. Take deep breaths to help relax your mind and body. This will create the right conditions for your muscles to release tension.
Focus on dynamic stretching at first, which is stretching while moving gently. This will keep your body warm, open up different angles of movement, and prepare you for dance movements. Don’t feel like you need to be able to touch your toes with your knees locked right away.
Keep your knees bent when targeting your hamstring muscle, which is one of the largest and toughest in the body. Be patient with your body and you will see your flexibility slowly begin to increase.
Recommended Stretches to Improve Flexibility
To improve flexibility in your lower body, start with a basic forward fold. This stretches the entire backside, including your spine, glutes, hamstrings, and calves. Stand with your feet close together and bend forward at your hips.
Bring your head toward your knees and let your hands dangle to the ground. Lengthen your legs as much as possible and bend your knees slightly if needed. Hold this position for about a minute or longer if it feels comfortable.
Upper body flexibility is also important if you’re in dance classes. Stretch your triceps by extending your right arm to the ceiling, bending at the elbow, and bringing the palm toward the center of your back so that your middle finger rests along your spine. Then, use your left hand to gently push your elbow toward the center and down so that you feel a stretch in your right tricep.
Switch arms and repeat. You can also stretch your upper body by clasping your hands together behind your back, straightening your arms, and squeezing your shoulder blades together. This releases tension in the chest and upper back.
Continue to improve your child’s skills by enrolling them in dance classes at Heidi Knight School of Dance in Huntsville, AL. This school offers a wide variety of classes for students in preschool and through high school. Your child can learn tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and more. Visit their website to see their full list of available classes or call (256) 430-4315 to inquire about enrollment.