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Ballet/muscles for extensions

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Expert: - 8/14/2007


Question
My extension aren't very high but im very flexible so im assuming i need more strength. Except i don't know what muscles im supposed to be using when i do my extensions, can u tell me them and possibly some exercises that will help me? Thanks!!

Answer
It's good that you have the flexibility.  Now, to get your legs up higher you have to think about your leg muscles and also your core muscles.  The basic stance is when you are extremely pulled up with the shoulders down and back the abdominals engaged and your shoulders lined up over your hips.  If you work on holding this it will help your leg to go higher.  You can also do some exercises for your leg muscles like sitting on a chair and bending and straightening your leg.  Lying on your stomach and lifting up each leg one by one is another good exercise.  You can try these with weights or without.  Also, see if your teacher has any good recommendations.  Good luck!

Ballet

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Connie

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I can answer lots about ballet, specifically the Vaganova syllabus. I'm still training, but both my parents were professional dancers, so most answers will be coming from them, not me. :) They're the experts. Obviously, questions about difficult technique, etc, would be better answered with someone else, but if you're just becoming interested in dancing, or are having problems with basic steps, like pirouettes or plies, then I may be able to help

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I've seen ballet since the age of 0, because of my parents, and I am training to become a professional dancer now.

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