What You'll Learn
- Effective techniques to release tension in the hip flexors and quads for better turnout.
- How to use yoga blocks to support the upper body during deep straddle stretches.
- The connection between facial relaxation (eyes and jaw) and lower body flexibility.
- Breathing strategies to safely navigate intense pretzel shapes and middle split positions.
- Targeted stretches for the lats and lower back to improve overall ballet alignment.
About This Video
Achieving a full middle split and a wide straddle is a common goal for many dancers, yet the path to get there requires more than just brute force. At Broche Ballet, we believe that flexibility is a dialogue between the mind and the body. This specialized class focuses on deep stretching techniques designed to improve your turnout and overall range of motion by addressing the anatomical foundations of your lower body.
Throughout the session, we delve into the mechanics of the hip joint, focusing on how the femur bone rotates within the socket. By understanding this alignment, you can more effectively target the hip flexors and quads without creating unnecessary tension. We incorporate the use of props, such as yoga blocks and pillows, to provide the necessary support for your upper body.
This allows you to maintain integrity in your posture while your lower body finds the release it needs. One of the unique aspects of this practice is the emphasis on relaxation as a tool for flexibility. You will learn the importance of softening the jaw and eyes to signal the nervous system to let go.
We explore the "pretzel shape" and other deep release positions, such as the butterfly and specific barre stretch variations, to target the lats and lower back. By integrating breathing techniques with physical movement, you will discover how to navigate intensity without triggering a "fight or flight" response in your muscles. Whether you are working toward your full grand écart or simply want to feel more free in your movements, this class provides the tools to stretch safely and effectively.
We focus on releasing the kneecap and wiggling the quad to find softness where we often hold the most tension. Join us at Broche Ballet to transform your flexibility training into a mindful, compassionate practice that honors the hard work your legs do every day.
