Ballet Q&A: How to Cross-Train and Build Strength for Dance

Ballet requires more than just grace; it demands a foundation of functional strength and stability. In this Broche Ballet Q&A session, we dive deep into the science of cross-training and how to build the necessary power for advanced techniques like high extensions and stable arabesques. Many dancers focus solely on the tiny core muscles, but true stability comes from a holistic approach involving the glutes, back, and even the chest muscles.

One of the most misunderstood areas of dance anatomy is the psoas. While the psoas is crucial for lifting the leg, it cannot work in isolation. To achieve breathtaking high extensions, you must develop general strength in the surrounding muscles to provide a stable base.

This session explores how activating the postural muscles allows for better control and prevents the common mistake of crunching the lower back during complex movements. Longevity is a key theme at Broche Ballet. We want you to dance for a lifetime, which means training in a way that protects your body.

A major part of this is learning how to lengthen the spine before attempting to bend or arch. By thinking of pulling your spine apart or creating space between each vertebra, you engage the muscles that lift and lengthen rather than just contract. This technique is vital for maintaining a healthy back while pursuing challenging ballet choreography.

Whether you are working on your arabesque height or looking for ways to improve your overall stability at the barre, understanding the mechanics of your core and spine is transformative. We discuss practical strategies for cross-training that complement your studio work, ensuring you have the physical capacity to support your artistry and prevent injury throughout your dance journey.