Expert: Jennifer - 12/11/2005

Question
Dear Jennifer,
Thanks for your letter, it was very encouraging,I'm planning to audition to a ballet program at TCU in April, in the meantime I am just working hard on technique and getting to pointe hopefully in Feb. I have another question! It is about hyperextended legs. I think I have hyperextended legs. From what I understand hyperextension is when you pull up your legs and stretch the back that the knees touch before the heels, therefore not allowing the heels to touch in the first position, and a similiar problem is encountered in the fifth position, is that right? If that is it then I am hyperextended. Is there anyway I can get my heels together and ever have a decent fifth? But from what I understand, hyperextension  can be an advantage. I heard that hyperextended dancers have really nice extension (which sounds like it would make sense) I was going to ask my teacher too but this is rehearsal week for  Christmas and we don't have any actual classes, only rehearsals at the theatre, and she is very busy with the company and I don't want to irritate her. She is one of those ballet teachers who can get very angry(: So anyway I appreciate anything you can tell me about how in the world I can get my heels together! Or is it just something you learn to live with? But I have heard of people who have conquered it, so that is why I am wondering. Thank you!
Anna


Answer
Hyperextention is a very common problem, and its good that you are aware that you have it.

It is in fact in many ways a desirable trait, but of course there are trade-offs (for myself, I have very flexible, pretty feet, but they are very very weak as a result!). Hyperextended legs look much "straighter" than most legs, and can give you a much longer, straighter look in all positions, especially in extentions.

The biggest fault is that since you dont have to work for straight legs like most of us do, you end up using your leg muscles incorrectly. Intead of pulling up and engaging the quads while standing in first or fifth, people with hyperextention tend to let their weight sit back into their knees (or lock their knees), which can lead to knee problems. When you're standing, make sure that you are engaging your quads and that you dont feel youself just settling all your wait into your knees. It may feel at first that your legs are slightly bent, but it will save you from injury in the future.

As for getting your heels together -- I don't think you are looking at ballet technique correctly if your main concern is getting your heels together. Your main concern is to be using your muscles correctly and maximizing your own body. Ballet dancers tend to get so caught up in the ideal that they begin trying to force themselves into that mold and end up not getting the most out of their bodies. I know and have seen many professional dancers who simply don't have their heels together in first position. Its much more important that you are using your legs correctly than to have your heels together in first... just like it is much more important to work with your own turnout rather than to force a perfect turnout (which the vast majority of us do not have) and injure your ankles and knees.

I hope this helps you... let me know if you need any clarification or have any other questions!