Dancers: I need advice?

Question

I'm a dancer. A few years ago, I quit and now I want to start up again. I am SO stiff and so not flexible. I just can't seem to get my body to twist the way it used to. Any tips or helps?

I did mostly ballet/jazz

Answer 1

No need to worry, you will be fine in a beginners/intermediate class of ballet or jazz. Those classes will help you get your stretch back. You will be surprised at what your body is able to do once it is properly warmed up and stretched in dance class. Don't be afraid to go back to classes. A trained teacher will know how to help you. I've stopped and started several times and that is what has worked.

You can also try yoga and Pilate's tapes at home to help get stretched and toned. The important thing is to practice regularly and your body will respond positively.

Answer 2

How old are you? I stopped dancing from age 19-21. When I came back, I was still just as flexible. A little sore, but I was fine. Actually, with my Jazz & Lyrical I was better! I don't know if that had to do with me taking time off or just getting older and growing up. Don't worry about it! You will be fine. Expect to be sore, and try to stretch before. Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

I also was a dancer a few years back then I quit and now i want to start back up also. What I've been doing is just stretching everyday and working out, seems hard I know but the benifits are well worth it.

Answer 4

I suggest you stretch 4 to 5 times a day, and that take a few aerobics classes. Also, strength training will help you out as well. It takes time to get back in shape.

Answer 5

I had to stop and re-start due to injuries.

One thing I can tell you - it feels a lot worse than it looks. Just do yur regular routine little by little, it will get back.

Try yoga in addition.

You say, it's a few years, heh? In a few years, we get a somewhat "different" body. Learn to use your new body, don't expect it to be your old body.

Answer 6

Here are some stretches I make my girls do at least once a night...


start sitting in a V sit... stretch to the right for 8 counts, to the left for 8, and center for 8.

then, pike... lean down for 8 counts toes pointed, 8 counts toes flexed then stretch further down for 8 toes pointed

roll ankles and wrists... stretch them here.

butterfly for 8... the lean over your legs for 8

stand with feet parallel... lean down for 8 counts.

stand in 1st position... down for 8

2nd position... down for 8

Right split, hold for 8... then, if you are all the way down, pull your left foot to touch your head for another 8, or if you aren't in a complete split, just press yourself down further for 8...

repeat all that with the left split

go to a middle split and hold for 8

then, stretch your arms and anything else you feels needs more stretching


The best times to do these stretches is upon rising out of bed and right after you take a bath at night. Those are your 2 most flexible times, and best times to gain flexibilty.

Answer 7

omg u sound like my old dance teacher and if u r then i want u 2 come back

about ur question do the strethes u did when u were a dancer

Answer 8

Start every morning with stretching and stretch continously throughout the day. Try doing yoga or pilates. Try doing stuff you remembered from your classes, and practice those. =)

Answer 9

Do strectches, do not hurt yourself! You can try yoga, it relieves your stress and gets you very flexible! The more you practice, the more flexible and less stiffness!

Answer 10

I would do two things- 1. get in to a pilates class immediately if not sooner. 2. Get some resistabands and use them every night.