Enhance Your Extensions: Ballet Lying Hamstring Stretches with Straps

Flexibility is a cornerstone of classical dance technique. Whether you are aiming for a higher developpé or a more fluid arabesque, the health and length of your hamstrings play a vital role in your overall performance. In this specialized practice session from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into the back of the legs with a comprehensive lying hamstring routine.

To get the most out of this session, you will need a sturdy prop—a resistance band, a yoga strap, or even a bathrobe tie will work perfectly. By using a strap, you can find a deeper reach without compromising the alignment of your back or shoulders. This allows for a more passive, restorative stretch that targets the muscle fibers effectively.

The session begins with a series of gentle warm-up movements designed to prepare the body for deeper work. We focus heavily on the connection between breath and movement, encouraging you to hug your stretches and sink deeper into each position with every exhale. You will move through sequences targeting not only the hamstrings but also the hip flexors and inner thighs.

The inclusion of butterfly poses and deep lunges ensures a well-rounded approach to lower body mobility. One of the key focuses of this tutorial is the integration of the core. Even while lying on the floor, engaging your abdominal muscles helps stabilize the pelvis, ensuring that the stretch is felt exactly where it is needed.

Proper alignment prevents common injuries and helps you translate this floor-based flexibility into your work at the barre. At Broche Ballet, we believe that stretching should be a mindful practice. This 16-minute video concludes with relaxation techniques to help your muscles melt and recover.

By the end of the routine, you will feel a significant release in muscle tension and an improved sense of space throughout your hips and legs.