Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 8/6/2007

Question
do you know of any really good ballet stretches for turnouts. my legs are impossible.im sixteen just starting out ballet after years of running track, and my legs are stubborn.
thanks

Answer
Hi Dede. To stretch your lateral rotators, your turnout muscles, do the following:
lying on your back, bend both knees, feet flat on the floor.
Lift the right leg and cross it over the left, so your right leg, just above the ankle, is resting on your left thigh. Reach through the opening, and grasp your left thigh, and gently pull. You'll feel a stretch around your hip muscles. Repeat on the other side.

Of course, do it when you are warmed up, preferably after a full class.

If you want to widen your sideways splits, sit on the floor, legs open in second, and gently fall forward. Don't stretch to the point of pain, just to a stretched feeling. Breathe deeply, and then sit back up. This will stretch the long adductors on the inside of the thighs, allowing a fuller second position.

All the best!  Dianne

A brief follow up - I've recommended to almost everyone to read my articles and blog entries at http://www.theballetstore.com You have to create a user name to log in to see all the blog entries - your privacy is safe! I really apologize that I didn't tell you this - I'm not a technical person!