Dance question- how to increase flexibility for a better arabesque and ponche?

Question

how do i get my arabesques and ponches higher?

what stretches can i do?

thanks so much =)

Answer 1

If you can do the splits then you can do a perfect arabesque so i would say sit with your feet straight in front of you and bring them in so its like a diamond shape, hold above your ankles and try to make your elbows resist your kneed while pushing your knees up, hold for 8 seconds the release for 8.

Answer 2

my ballet teachers always tells us that the dying swan is good for that. the more flexible your back is...the higher you can get your leg.

dying swan is when you lay on your stomach. have someone hold your feet/ankles. lift your upper body off the floor with arms in 5th and hold for 10 seconds or so. then come down. repeat.

Answer 3

Stretch-wise, get your splits down with your hips square. Now, once you have the flexibility, recognize that arabesque and penchee also require back strength and strength from your supporting leg. The easiest way to get the strength is by practice. Outside of class, one way to practice is by getting your leg onto something within your flexibility range (staircase banister, table, chair?) and get into arabesque with the chair (or whatever) supporting your arabesque leg, then lift your leg off the chair and hold it where it's at, then put your leg back down the relax, then lift again. It'll be important to stretch out your back so your muscles don't get shortened/tight or so you don't get cramps/spasms. Good luck and work hard!

Answer 4

i wish my arabesques were higher but i think i am happry with my ponche. i want to knwo how to get my arabesque higher too!

Answer 5

One thing you can do for arabesque is to put your leg up on a wall that goes up about 6 inches higher than your waist. then, you turn away from the wall while leaving your leg on the wall. so It is like an arabesque. then you try to get your back straight . once your back is straight you scoot closer to the wall. once you're all the way split, with your back straight, you lean back towards the wall. this should help with ponches too because if your arabesque is that good then your ponche should be a little better. don't push your self too hard though. if you push too hard you'll pull a muscle. I hope that it works for you!

-Terr