What You'll Learn
- How to use deep breathing techniques to feel safe and stable in maximum range of motion stretches.
- Targeted exercises for the inner thighs and hip rotators to improve functional turnout.
- Strategies for identifying and correcting side-to-side flexibility imbalances.
- The use of yoga blocks and props to maintain spinal alignment and support the wrists during lunges.
- How to integrate foot articulation and core engagement to deepen the stretch sensation.
About This Video
Elevate your ballet technique by focusing on the foundation of your movement: the hips. In this specialized flexibility session from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into seated turnout stretches designed to open the hips and lengthen the inner thighs. Achieving a functional and beautiful turnout requires more than just strength; it demands a nervous system that feels safe and supported in its maximum range of motion.
Throughout this 20-minute class, you will explore various floor-based positions including straddle poses, side stretches, and deep lunges. Our instructor emphasizes the vital role of the breath as a tool for safety. You will learn to identify the 'deepest part' of a stretch and use focused respiration to stay present, rather than retreating from the sensation. This mindful approach allows the muscles to release effectively without triggering a protective tension response.
We also address the common reality of physical asymmetry. It is perfectly normal for one side of the body to feel significantly tighter than the other. You will learn how to tailor your practice by spending additional time on your tighter leg to encourage a more balanced and symmetrical turnout over time. To get the most out of these exercises, we incorporate active foot articulation, such as flexing and pointing, to engage the core and further elongate the muscles of the leg.
This class utilizes props like yoga blocks to provide stability during weight-bearing lunges and suggests a pillow for kneeling comfort. Because this session focuses on deep, static, and active stretching, it does not include a cardiovascular warmup. Please ensure you are warm and ready before beginning to ensure the safety of your joints and muscles. Whether you are working toward your side splits or seeking more ease in your barre work, these targeted techniques will help you unlock a more expressive range of motion.
