Red Hot Warm Ups

Flexible bodies are one of the many factors that makes dance beautiful to watch.  Flexibility is very important to every dancer, and flexibility is achieved by stretching.  There are many benefits to stretching including pain relief, increased energy levels and flexibility, increased range of motion, increased circulation, relaxation, stress relief, and improved posture just to name a few.  In terms of dancing,  stretching increases your ability to do certain things.  For example, stretching out a tight calf muscle and Achilles tendon can greatly improve the depth of your plie and in turn help your jumps and all around quality of movement.  Stretching out your back allows for a dancer to improve on their arabesque and port de bras.  Releasing tight hamstrings can improve battements and grande allegro. 

Pro Stretch - Double

The ProStretch conditioning and stretching devices isolates the lower leg muscles, tendons and ligaments for the ultimate deep stretch.  A favorite of physical therapists, trainers and pro athletes -- just look closely on the sideline of an NBA, NFL, or NHL game and you're likely to see a ProStretch. That's because they're proven to stretch the leg muscles easier and far more effectively than conventional methods. Exercise both legs simultaneously to improve flexibility and alleviate injuries to the lower extremities.  This device is perfect to throw in your dance bag and use to stretch out your muscles before and after class. Available at the product store on vailfoot.com.

As you can see, there are several benefits to stretching and it is vital to becoming a better dancer.  Be sure to warm up properly before and after exercises and do only what your body can handle.  Ease into the stretch and you will eventually get to your goal flexibility.