How to Stretch for Leg Splits

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Part of the video series: Ballet Lessons

Summary: Stretch for a leg split in ballet by warming up the hamstrings and hips with all of the plies, and do a hamstring stretch starting with the knees on the floor and moving in to a split stretch. Stretch the hamstring forward and keep the hips warm and open for the splits with help from an experienced dance instructor in this free video ballet lesson.

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By Lauri Gregoire
eHow Presenter

Contact: www.bellevuedancecenter.com

Lauri Gregoire began her dancing, singing and acting career at a young age. She received her Bachelor of Performing Arts in dance performance from the prestigious Oklahoma City...read more

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"How to stretch for a leg split. It is important to know that in order to do a split a dancer must be well warmed up with the hamstrings and hips open and warm. A good way to do this is to stretch the backs of the hamstrings stretching forward as well as all of the plies that open the hips at the bar. I'm going to show you a stretch on the floor that will help to make your split a lot easier to accomplish. You will begin on your knees, take one of your knees and put it up in front of your shoulders. Stretch that leg straight making sure that the knee is looking up to the ceiling. Place one hand on either side of your leg. Now straighten the front leg so that the knee is facing towards the ceiling. As you stretch in this position slowly start to straighten the back leg making sure that the knee is facing down towards the floor. As you get closer and closer and closer your body will be holding itself up with your arms until you can get all the way down to a straight position. Back knee should be down on the floor, front knee should be looking towards the ceiling."