AboutKT Expertise I can answer questions dealing with the "how tos" of jazz, ballet, hip hop and lyrical. I can help get over creative blocks with song ideas and inspiration to help create. I can answer choreography questions and techniques to help better your dancing and/or teaching.
Experience I have been dancing for 19 years in the styles of jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and contemporary. I studied at a studio rated one of the top 100 studios in the nation, then moved on to The Ohio State University to study dance. I have been teaching summer dance camps for five years. I've been choreographing solos and group routines at a local studio and for groups in my state for three years. I have also attended numerous conventions and workshops throughout the nation. Through the winter I judge for a dance team circuit in the styles of Pom, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip-Hop.
Education/Credentials I will soon be graduating with a bachelors degree in early childhood development and a minor in dance education.
Awards and Honors This past year I was given one of only twelve scholarships out of four hundred students from Broadway Dance Center's the Pulse.
Question Hey! I've been dancing since i was 5 and have always been really inflexible. I would love if you could tell me a few stretches that can make my kicks higher and my side splits wider. Also my turn out is non existent! Its probably the worst in the class and I'm no where near getting into the side splits. Please please please tell me how to improve this because it makes me feel terrible about my dancing.
Thank you sooooo much
xx
Answer Hey Jana! I understand what you mean about the lack of flexibility. I actually have struggled with this myself for as long as I can remember. The first thing we need to note is that everyone's body is built differently and there is nothing we can do to change the way we are built. Some are born with a more natural turn out than others and it's just a fact. It's also a fact that the pelvic bones and areas that often control lots of our movement as dancers can be built differently. So we must first remember to stop comparing ourselves to others and rather strive to become our own personal best. While there is no way to change the way you are built here are a few suggestions on how to enhance what you've got...
-One of the most important ideas of stretching is the quality of your stretch. This is something ALL dancers struggle with. While stretching our tendency is to tighten muscles (especially the thighs and leg areas). Think of sitting on the floor with legs in second stretching to one leg or the other. You will naturally see your thigh muscle tighten. This tightening or contracting of the muscles will prevent you from achieving a full beneficial stretch. Relax those leg muscles and you will go deeper in your stretch. Go ahead and give them a little shake, poke, or pat to remind them to stay loose because they will NOT do it naturally. If you can keep this tip in mind for all stretches and release the tension in your body to stretch you will really see results.
-A good exercise for turn out is to lay on your belly with legs in a "froggie position" behind you. (Think touching the soles of your feet together) Try to get those feet close to the ground while still connected and without lifting your booty up (the kicker!) you can also ask someone to GENTLY apply pressure to those feet towards the ground.
-As for the rest of your stretches there are many you can do to improve kicks and splits. Really work those leg muscles and everything around them. Ask an athletic trainer (one who knows a thing or two about dance would be helpful!) on specific muscles you should pay attention to and ways to go about them. Ask your dance teacher what she sees as your main area to focus on as well.
-Finally if you are looking for a little more challenge in stretching grab a partner...In any stretch on the floor have them gently apply pressure to your back or leg or whatever seems to be stuck in one position. Then hold your breath for a count of 5 and when you blow the air out have your partner ever so slightly apply a little more pressure and you will go FAR!
Hope this has helped and just keep up the good work and effort!
