How to Do the Bow Stretch in Modern Dance

The bow stretch is a great way to stretch out your legs before a modern dance class. The technique involves flexibility, balance and stretching. Although the bow stretch does take a moderate amount of flexibility, with practice and the helpful techniques in this article, utilizing this position will become easier with every try.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Turn to the side and grab your leg. Scoop your arm underneath your leg, so that it is right underneath your knee. This gives you extra balance.

2. Rotate your arm and bring your leg up to the side. Don't extend it. Simply bring it up into an "L" shape.

3. Push your knee and leg to the back. At this point, you should be holding your leg in an "L" position towards the back.

4. Spot once you get your leg to the back. To spot, pick a point in the room. Focus on that point for balance. Continue to hold up your leg.

5. Extend your leg. Shift your hand so that it is supporting your leg as you lift up. Then, bring up the arm that isn't supporting your leg for balance, either above your head or straight out in front of you.

6. Continue to spot. Hold for 10 seconds. Then, bring the leg down. Repeat on the other side.