Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 7/14/2011

Question
hi my daughter is a lovely dancer and is trying to get flexible she will be doing her exam in the winter but she has to work on her jettes how can she do this and her arabesque how can she get height especially with her back leg or is it just her flexibility and it will take time

Answer
Hi Sam. I previously sent you this 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."

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/02/ultimate-ballet-line-arabe...

may give her some more help with strengthening her arabesque position, as jetes are not just a matter of flexibility. There is also a back stretch in that article which will help for more flexibility.

And yes, it will take time.

All the best, Dianne