passionateperformer asked: Hello there! I love your blog and I wish you are my dance teacher! You would be a great one :) Anyways, Im a jazz dancer wanting to get more into ballet. Can you tell me how to get a great hyper-extension? Thats something I really want to work onnn. Please and thank you!! <3
Why, thank you!
Your history in jazz will help you a little, flexibility wise, but ballet is a completely different art form then any other style.
Unfortunately, some people cannot achieve a great hyper-extension; it really does depend upon genetics, and bone structure. While it may look lovely, most professionals you see with hyper-extension are born with it; it can make your legs very unstable and puts a lot of pressure on your knees.
To get the best hyper-extension that you can achieve, flex your quads in all positions where the leg is lifted from the ground (arabesque, develeppe, for example); this will naturally hyper-extend your knees.
Practice your tendu’s and degege’s, stretching your foot as far as possible before moving your leg. You should imagine your feet in these moves as being independent from the leg; the leg simply follows when the foot cant go further anymore. Hope that makes sense :P
Try sitting with your legs straight out in front of you and flex your thigh muscles with your feet pointed. Your feet and lower leg should naturally lift off the floor and hyper-extend at the knees. Make sure your feet are pointed hard; imagine trying to get your toes to touch the floor, despite your leg being lifted. Hold this, but not for too long (maybe 5-10 seconds). Release instantly if your quads start to tighten up.
P.S. I loved your dances; your dance team is very talented!
