Flexibility

[Guest Sarahdancing]

Are stretching bands and good for flexibility. If so can someone recommend a good one or anything else good flexibility as my tiny DD needs to get more flexible

[Anna C]

Hi Sarahdancing and welcome. My dd only uses Therabands for strengthening as opposed to stretching. My advice would be to ask your dd's teacher for specific exercises for whichever area she think needs work. If she is unable to prescribe exercises you can always seek advice from a dance Physio.

 

I always think exercises are a little like prescription medication - what's good for one person may be bad for another, so it's always good to ask a professional for advice. We always thought my dd wasn't particularly flexible in some areas when she was much younger - turned out she is hyper mobile but had tight hamstrings and was lacking the strength to HOLD the turnout. So flexibility (or lack of) can be deceptive!

[Anjuli_Bai]

Your teacher is your guide - she knows your child's capabilities.  What does she say?

[Balletgirlsplease]

My tiny dd has become more flexible by attending the limbering classes held once a week by her dance teacher and doing some exercises at home (repeating some exercises from her class and at the end trying her splits). She has gone from not being able to do the splits to full splits on both legs. She has worked very hard to achieve this though. The only time she has used a theraband is to strengthen her feet with exercises set by her RBS JA teacher. She has also really improved her core strength with doing the limbering class and 6 months of JA lessons. Her teacher would be the best person to guide her as they would know her weaknesses and best exercises for her.

[Friends]

Have you looked on you tube?

Just put ballet stretching into the search box.

[Anjuli_Bai]

Stretching should be done under the supervision of a knowledgeable teacher.

[taxi4ballet]

Hi Sarahdancing, and welcome to the forum, how old is your dd?

[Guest Sarahdancing]

I've got two one 11 and the other is 7

[Balletgirlsplease]

 

I've got two one 11 and the other is 7

I have two 10 and 9. My 10 year old has worked really hard with her stretching and flexibility. My 9 year old hates limbering with a passion and uses any avoidance tactics to get out of doing it!! I was hoping it would come with age but I think it's just the difference in their personalities. One 'wants it' and the other doesn't. So we leave them to it. I think the lure of getting a modern for festivals might tempt her eventually as their teacher likes them to show effort in their limbering to be given one!

[drdance]

Resistance bands are designed for strengthening. Spanner has it spot on - fitness is so individual so exercises need to be 'prescribed' FOR the individual. Check with your DD's teacher, or seek advice from someone who knows their stuff :-)