Nurturing Your Body Through Stretching.

I was 20 years old when I started my dance career, late for most, and frankly, I knew absolutely nothing about the craft. In my first audition, pretending to know what I was doing, I managed to pull my hamstrings on both legs, from the back of my knee to the bottom of my glute. Sadly, it was an injury that took months to heal, set me back, and gave me problems off and on throughout my career. It became apparent to me shortly thereafter that not only did I not know much about dance I didn't even know how to stretch. How was that even possible? 

Years later, as a professional, touring and teaching, I learned that most people, even many athletes, especially young athletes don't know how to stretch properly and safely. My lasting philosophy ever since is that every person deserves to know the basics of stretching so that you can prevent injury and sustain your physical practice whatever that may be.

“It became apparent to me that I didn’t even know how to stretch…”

PRO TIPS before you start:

• Move slowly

• Breathe

• If it hurts, STOP or reduce the range of motion

• If it doesn’t feel good, try to modify it or don’t do it.

• Notice the pleasure and enjoyment in the feeling.

Never Stretch COLD: You have to warm up, to loosen up.

To everyone at every level, you must warm up first! That includes you Ballet dancers; warming up at the barre is not enough. 

It may sound strange, but you have to imagine your body like a frozen piece of chicken. It must defrost before you can work with it. It simply doesn't work any other way. 

Leave it all at the door.

In a physical sense, beginning with a gentle warm-up allows the body to open up and be more receptive to whatever physical information you are about to introduce. 

It is just as important mentally. Your warm-up should be a way for your mind to clear the deck and start on a clean slate. Your body deserves at least a few minutes of your complete and undivided attention. Stretching in your warm-up is a necessary tool for an amazing workout. You are able to leave the stress of everyday life at the door and start ready with a clear, focused, and present mind, body, and spirit.