AboutDianne M. Buxton Expertise I can answer questions about ballet technique, training, pointe shoes, mens training, diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, been ballet mistress, and director, with dance companies. For any answers related to health questions will offer my experience, but will also automatically include "see a professional".
Education/Credentials Graduate of the national Ballet School of Canada. Taught at the National ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard Universtiy.
Expert: Dianne M. Buxton Date: 7/18/2008 Subject: Cross-Training Outside the Studio
Question I am a 14 year old ballet dancer and am looking for ways to improve my endurance and conditioning as well as reduce the size of my hips/thighs. Right now the only training I take is ballet and point class for about 2 hours a day. I was thinking of jogging or running to help endurance or perhaps swimming but I am afraid these exercises will just make my thighs grow even larger.
What cross-training advice do you have for serious ballet dancers that can help build aerobic endurance? And what can I do to reduce my thighs and buttocks? Am I just a victim of genetics?
Answer Hi Kristin. By the way, 2 hours of ballet a day is plenty of training. That is what professional students in full time ballet schools do.
Do you need to improve endurance because you get tired in class? I'm just wondering what you think you fall short on.
I would recommend swimming for another training. Running brings impact to your joints, whereas swimming brings no threat to joints. It is however, still repetitive motion, and must be taught well.
Remember also, Kristen that you are 14 and your body may change a lot before you stop growing.
If you have some time to read, I have written many articles on correct ballet technique. How to develop long lean muscles, and not over use muscles is what I try to get across. They are found at: http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com. Here's the link to developing long and lean;
Also, Kristen check that your pelvis is not tucking under, this will develop larger thigh and buttock muscles. A neutral pelvis is tipped neither to sway the back, nor to lengthen the low back. Proper turnout using the deep rotator muscles also develops smaller hip muscles than clenching the buttock muscles.
If none of the above is something you need to improve, then genetics might be your situation. If that is a fact, then you may consider going into a dance field that is less picky about body shape, if you are looking at a profession in dance.
