What You'll Learn
- Techniques to relax the nervous system for deeper flexibility
- How to use blocks and pillows to optimize hip flexor alignment
- Strategies for safely challenging your comfort zone in deep stretches
- The connection between breath and muscle release in splits
- Effective hamstring engagement to support leg extension
About This Video
Embark on a transformative journey toward greater flexibility with the Broche Ballet Splits Flow. This specialized practice is specifically designed for dancers who want to deepen their range of motion through a deep hip flexor focus. Achieving a full split is more than just stretching muscles; it involves a sophisticated dialogue with your nervous system.
In this class, we move beyond basic hamstring stretches to explore how deep breathing and intentional relaxation can signal to your body that it is safe to release. We begin by grounding ourselves and preparing the body for intense work. Using props like blocks or pillows is highly encouraged, especially if you are still a few inches from the floor.
These tools are not just for beginners; they provide essential support that allows your muscles to disengage from a protective state and enter a state of true lengthening. Throughout the flow, we emphasize proper alignment and engagement. It is crucial to maintain structural integrity to ensure that the stretch is hitting the target muscles—the hip flexors and hamstrings—rather than putting undue stress on the joints.
A key component of this session is exploring the edge of your comfort zone. We learn to distinguish between the productive discomfort of growth and the sharp pain that signals a need to pull back. By stimulating the relaxation of the nervous system, you will find that your body yields more readily than through force alone.
This mindful approach is a hallmark of the Broche Ballet methodology, where we prioritize long-term health and functional grace. To wrap up, we transition into relaxation exercises, allowing the body to integrate the work. We even take a moment to say thanks to our legs for their strength and resilience.
Whether you are working toward your first split or refining an oversplit, this flow offers the tools and mindset needed to achieve your goals with patience and precision.
