Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 6/21/2011

Question
hi my daughter has found a fantastic ballet teacher and is trying to get flexible she has private lessons with her but sometimes time runs out in the class for stretching i asked her if my daughter could do a limbering and body tone class she said that is what she needs but they were at another school so she said it would be best not to go she has a vocational exam coming up is a 45 min limbering class two times a week good for the same as a 20 min private with her ballet teacher or a stretching dvd help

Answer
Hi Sam. The best stretching DVD I know of can be ordered from http://squidoo.com/ultimatestretchingguide/

It is less balletic in style than some others, but more easily done and learned. The creator, Deborah Vogel is a leading dance medicine expert. While it does not use ballet positions, it is designed for ballet stretches.

Let your daughter know, too, that if she practices the stretches in the neck, back and shoulders, her legs will stretch more easily for higher extensions.

Another reason why I recommend this one is that a dancer can use it for their entire career. The tension release it teaches will prevent dance injuries.

You may even enjoy some it yourself!

All the best, Dianne.