The importance of balance retraining exercises for the dance student.
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Other.
The Importance of Balance Retraining for Dance Students
Summary:
Maintaining good balance is crucial for dancers, especially when performing moves like en demi-pointe. Poor balance can lead to instability and increase the risk of injury. This article discusses tests and exercises recommended by Lisa Howell to enhance balance and stability.
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The Role of Balance in Dance
For dancers, having strong balance and stability is essential. Many dancers are not fully aware of the factors contributing to balance or how to train these elements separately. Instability can cause your supporting foot to wobble, making it challenging to stabilize en demi-pointe and potentially leading to injuries. Additionally, poor ankle stability can limit your ability to lift your leg high en l'air, as it requires a stable foundation.
Several factors influence your balance, including vision, proprioception (awareness of your foot and ankle ligaments), and the balance sensors in your inner ear. It's vital to enhance ankle stability by occasionally removing feedback systems that normally assist in balance. For instance, many dancers overly rely on their vision, which can become problematic during turns or in low-light performances.
Exercises to Improve Balance
Test and strengthen your balance with the following exercises. Practice standing on one leg in both parallel and turned-out positions while performing these variations:
- Close your eyes.
- Stand on a pillow or soft foam mat.
- Turn your head from side to side.
- Tilt your head from side to side.
- Perform a fondu or small knee bend on each leg.
If you are already using pointe shoes, try these exercises both barefoot and in pointe shoes to notice the difference. These exercises help enhance ankle control, crucial for dancers.
Tips for Better Balance
Always engage your deep turnout and core stabilizing muscles when balancing, as this prevents excessive twisting of the hips. Strengthening the small intrinsic muscles of the feet is also essential for achieving good balance. Lisa Howell’s "The Perfect Pointe Book" offers valuable exercises for developing optimum foot and ankle control, making it a vital resource for any dancer’s training, regardless of pointe proficiency.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: The importance of balance retraining exercises for the dance student..
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