If you don't bend, you'll break

Flexibility may not come naturally to most dancers.  They have to work hard to achieve their individual goals.  Every dancer’s body is different.  It is possible to stretch beyond what you may think the body is even capable of doing.  Keep in mind this is for dancer’s who are training for acrobatics or any other type of movement that will require the need for flexibility. 

As dancer’s mature into adulthood, if we do not continue to bend and stretch, we could injure ourselves.  Or even worse, break.  At this point in my life, I know a few dance instructors who are still dancing and required hip surgery at a young age. 

Dance Spirit wrote an article called The Best Stretches You’re Not Doing.  This shows examples of stretches for dancers and instructors.  Only thing required is yourself and a chair or ballet barre.  Whichever is closer. Remember:  A dancer is never too old to learn new tricks!

Over the years, I have found yoga, pilates, and other avenues to help when it comes to keeping the minimum flexibility for myself so I can continue to teach and demonstrate skills without injuring myself.

I included a basic stretch by Lucia Medina.  She will take you through a Zumba warm up for dancers.  I chose this video because it is quick and easy.  Any beginner or professional can take advantage these moves.

This 4-minute video will take anyone who is looking to get a good stretch in through a quick series of stretches covering the basic joints and muscles groups.  Enjoy!