I’m curious. I find myself wondering what other dancers think of stretching…
For you, is it:
1. A necessary evil.
2. An enjoyable way to unwind and relax.
3. Just one more part of dance training that is needed.
4. One of the best parts about being a dancer.
Or…fill in your own…
As for me, I have always thought of it as a part of dance training–but one that I didn’t really adore. Stretching is time-consuming, and although I have been lucky enough to be fairly flexible, I’ve always had to keep at it.
Everyone’s body is a bit different. Some of us are tight in the hamstrings, while others have hips that just don’t want to rotate easily. Injuries further complicate matters, as does age. I find now that the importance of a proper warm-up and stretching has taken on a new meaning. At 43, you just have to do it.
So what’s your deal? What is your philosophy on stretching? I’d love to hear from other dancers and teachers and see what they have to say…
Stretching seems to fall into two categories for me: therapy and drudgery. Winding down in th evenings or trying to soothe some sore muscles it can be great. On the other hand, during actual training it is my least favorite thing (while, ironically, the most important thing) because, well, it hurts! 🙂 It took me a long time to reconcile the pain as being worth the trouble. Balancing the unpleasant stretching with a calmer, less results driven form definitely helped.
When I was younger, it was a necessary evil. Now that I’m also in the 40+ club, it’s really a relaxing way to unwind. I crave a good stretch some days. The best thing is when I’m just taking an easy little stretch break and my kids decide to join in! Yay for healthy habits learned young!
@Jenn I like what you said about balancing the two types of stretching and never really thought about it that way before. You are right about the stretching when you are sore thing–at least where I’m concerned…it really is nice then! Thanks for the comment!
@Jessica Yeah, the 40+ club. I hear ya! 🙂 Good for your kids–they’ll be in the habit when they hit the 40+ club! Yay is right! Thanks for ringing in!
For me, stretching is an addiction. I’m usually the first one in the studio stretching gently to warm up, and the last one to leave, because I’ll happily stretch for hours after everyone else has left. I used to catch myself stretching in public without realising I was doing it, and would smile apologetically when I realised strangers were staring at me. Now, I don’t care where I am or who’s around, if my body wants to be stretched, I’ll stretch it.
I’m a 33 yr old who just started ballet again after 15 yrs of stopping. Could you share any tip on how to regain flexibility, what practice has to be done every day? How long would it take until I can get good flexibility? Other girls in my class can do splits and i am struggling with regards to my flexibility.
@Bridgett – wow! That’s pretty amazing! I know what you mean about doing that in public–I’m like that with going on half-pointe! 🙂
@Rani – Congratulations and welcome back to the dance studio! 🙂 You’ll need to be patient with yourself-it can take a while to regain flexibility, and you may never get back to the level you were at before. That said, if you can dedicate 15 minutes or so a day to stretching, it will really help. Do a little warm-up first, then try to hold stretches for at least 30 seconds while breathing and relaxing…don’t try to do too much at once. Just because the other ladies in your class can do the splits doesn’t mean that should be your goal–especially at first. Be consistent and you’ll see improvement. Also, try to hit all the major muscle groups so you are gaining flexibility all over….
Hope that helps! All the best to you as you re-join the dance community!
I love stretching when I have a good day, but the days I am sore, which are more and more frequent during the hard periods of the season, I hate it. Then it doesn’t seem worth it, and I start doubting that it works…!
I hear ya! 🙂