The Metropolitan Ballet Academy needs me to do the splits.

Question

I need to learn the split my september 6th.

What are good stretches to learn to help me improve?

And pointe advice?

Answer 1

Classic Question of the dance category

It might take a year to regain splits PROPERLY. do a lot of overall stretching . . . all the muscles work together - so I think that'll help with splits. Mostly I did this in the morning and evening . . . after doing a whole body warm up, I would do these split exercises when I did the leg stretches . . . holding the position for a few seconds and then repeating. Never go overboard - stop when you feel any pain.

Some exercise/stretches that I did - both legs, both directions for side splits:

*hamstring stretches

*lunges

*half splits with the front leg bent and the other stretched back - then bending forward, bending back

*half splits with the back leg bet and other stretched in front - then bending forward

*half split with both legs bent as "L's" (to make a a square shape) and bending forward

*holding split position as down as you can go (but never to the point of pain)

*hamstring stretches

For the straddle splits, my gymnastics friend recommended sitting in front of a coach or wall with your legs wide apart (pressing against the prop) - it worked but it was good to read a book or be producting while you just sit there. But be careful you don't stress your knees doing this!

DON'T OVER DO IT!!!! If you do then it might take another year to recover *experience*