flexibility

[balletpassion1]

My DD struggles with Penches,will this be nessecary for getting into a vocational upper school?

Does anyone have any stretches or tips to achieve a penche?

[Picturesinthefirelight]

Dd has always struggled with her flexibility but she was very proud of her penche last year during a performance.

 

She uses the Lisa Howell flexibility programme. It cost an absolute fortune but it really helped her.

[balletpassion1]

thank you, I will check out Lisa Howell flexibility programme

[balletpassion1]

do you need flexible hamstrings to do this move?

[Picturesinthefirelight]

Dd has tight hamstrings & achilles so whilst she's never going to be a leg up by her ears girl she is steadily developing the strength & line for it.

[swanprincess]

Yes, hamstring flexibility in the supporting leg is important- but also back flexibility & core strength. So just work on stretching/strengthening those areas penché in the centre wasn't required in any of the auditions I did, but occasionally it is asked for at the barre x

[Annemarie]

Hi balletpassion,

 

Have you seen this

http://ballethub.com/ballet-lesson/improving-penche/

 

I had problems with my penché too and I found that it helped. I also had some lessons with one of the royal ballet stars and she really helped to improve my flexibility and strength with a variety of stretches and exercises focusing on my lower back

Edited November 5, 2015 by Annemarie

[drdance]

Back strengthening is also useful in penche - I have a student who is very loose in her back bend but struggles to get her leg up in arabesque. I've given her some of the progressing ballet technique exercises which are very useful.

 

To do a penche you will need both strength and flexibility in the hamstring of the supporting leg (as it is stretched whilst still maintaining a moderate contraction). It is my view that in auditions they will be looking for a well placed penche with correct technique rather than a '6 o'clock' one. What has her teacher suggested?