Expert: Katlin - 4/4/2007

Question
Hi Katlin!
My 8 yr old daughter has been cheering on an All Star squad for 2 years now. She has been a base for these 2 years and in about 3 weeks she will be trying out for a new team. Although she has been a base, she has always had extreme flexibility and has been practicing her flyer stunts for the past 3 or 4 months. She has her scorpion, heel stretch, bow & arrow, scale and arabesque already, but she just needs to work on form and pointing her toes. I am trying to work with her to get ready for tryouts and I want to help her clean up her form. In the arabesque, the leg that is extended back--does the foot point straight down or a little bit up (out to the judges)?  And does the leg have to be at a certain height (the higher, the better?). I do think that her training as a base is definitely a benefit for flying since she is now very strong and has good balance from basing.
Any tips or stretches/exercises you could give me would be great!!
Thanks!!
Kathy  

Answer
Hi Kathy!!
   OKayy it kind of sounds like she has problems pointing her toes so have her sit on the ground with her legs out, and point her toes, you can push on them but be carefull so you don't hurt any muscles.  THe arabesque should have the toe pointed making a straight line throughout the leg.  Also shoud have her chest up arms in a T and high, but not to where it makes her leg bend because it is better if it is straight and in line with her hip.  
 IF SHE NEEDS ANYMORE HELP LET ME KNOW I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO HELP! GOOD LUCK LET ME KNOW HOW IT GOES!!
Sincerly,
  Katlin <3