Leg Stretches for Dancers

By Treva Bedinghaus, About.com Guide

Your calf muscles run down the backs of your lower legs. The calves are responsible for many ballet steps including releves, pointing the toes and balancing on demi- or full pointe. Keeping the calves stretched is very important for dancers.

• Stagger your feet with your right leg in front of your left.
• Keeping your left foot straight, bend your right knee, slightly leaning forward with your upper body.
• Try to keep your left heel on the floor, but ease back if you feel strain on the front of the ankle. Flexibility will improve with time and practice.
• Hold the stretch for 10 seconds then switch legs.

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• Quadriceps Stretch
• Hamstrings Stretch
• Calf Stretch

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