Contortion?

Question

Hey i can do basic splits and oversplits my left leg is slightly less flexible than my right.Any tips on how to keep the flexibility the same for both legs.I also know how to do backbeds very close to touching my feet but i was wondering are there any back stretches i can to to improve?Im really flexible but not to the whole contortion level.Also i had to ask what excercises can i do to strengthen my legs so i can lift them to my head without actually holding my leg up there like i do?Sorry for all the questions and plz no mean comments.Btw i do ballet and karate i have been dancing for a long time but its not enough to improve my flexibility to the way i want it.I have been dancing for almost 8 years.Anyways thanks!!!

Answer 1

To even out your oversplits, stretch the less flexible leg more often. Say you stretch your left split for a minute, then your right split for a minute. Add a third minute to stretch your left split again. Then at the end of the day, after you shower or before you go to bed, stretch your left split one more time.

Try different yoga stretches to increase the flexibility in your back. Check out : http://www.hathayogalesson.com/ or look around online some more. Also, sometimes there's no better way to get flexible for something than by practicing it.

As to strengthening your legs, try doing developpes every other day (like 4 en croix). Remember, when you do developpes, you get your attitude as high as it can be, and you extend your leg from that height. Also, when you're in ballet class and you do developpes or anything requiring extensions ALWAYS try to get your leg as high as possible, even in ron de jambe en l'air. You'll improve. Additionally, you can use your hand to get your leg to where you want it and then let go and try to hold it. Hold it wherever it ends up for 8 cts, then try again and hold for 8 cts again.

Good luck! and keep working hard :D

Answer 2

I have been dancing for 8 years too! :)

I need to know too. :S

Hahaha. Sorry i don't know the answers, I am seeking for them too. Well, kind of.