Lifting the leg in developes, arabesques, etc.

Twilight_Elena · Joined: 11 May 2005 Posts: 21

I haven't been dancing ballet for a long time; it's around my second year now. When we do anything that requires lifting the leg, I can get no height! Even 45 degree fondues are a struggle to hold. The side ones are awful and my "arabesque" (if one may call it that) is barely off the floor. I can get a bit more height in kicks, but those are awful anyways because I am not controlling the centre properly and I am all over the place, so they don't count as real leg lifts in my books.
Is it a matter of muscle? Flexibility? I don't have amazing flexibility or anything but I don't feel a lot of stretch when I lift, only when I kick. Would hitting the gym help or just bulk me up for no reason? Does it get better???
Mind you, I'm 20 so I am not expecting miracles. I don't think I'll never have a vertical penche, but it's worth the try, right?
Thank you all,

T_E

kirin · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 56 Location: mexico

if it is flexibility or strenth if you always try a little bit more one day your leg would get higher... though exercicing my help you can ask your teacher for the exercises for the diferent muscles you might be having truble with....

But always try your best..!!
:d
good luck

Twilight_Elena · Joined: 11 May 2005 Posts: 21

Thanks. I asked my brother to help me by lifting my legs to see what my range is and I realised that my front and side leg lifts can definitely go up to 90 degrees, I just can't hold it. I can't seem to get any height in the back, even with someone else helping, so I must be doing something wrong there.
I'll try asking my teachers. Thank you!

kirin · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 56 Location: mexico

the back its always harder... But im glad you found out you do actualy have flexibility :D

lovestodance:) · Joined: 18 Jul 2008 Posts: 26 Location: England

when doing your arebesque try to spot something on the wall focus pull in your bum checks and have your hips facing forward :D Good luck

katerinadancerina13 · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 11

i have been dancing ballet since i was 4...well i started seriously when i was about 8. i have that same problem, the thing is your thigh muscles and stomach muscles must be really weak, like mine. i do crunches about 150 everyday, and hold up my leg for a long 16 counts to the front, side, and back, without any help of the arm. It helps A LOT, trust me! of course, you need flexibility to have a high extension, as well, so stretch every day and soon youll be able to hold your leg up as high up as you want!!

xSophiee · Joined: 01 Aug 2008 Posts: 6

you need some muscles!
Just do any leg strengthing things. Practice doing developes and just holding them. When you do it make sure not to grip with your hip flexor; use your stomach.
Also do some sit ups!
For arabasques, you need back and butt strength.
Just practice holding them over and over.
A good exercise for back strength is to lie on the floor on your stomach with your arms over your head. Have someone hold your feet/put weight on them, and then try to lift your upper body off the floor while keeping your arms beside your head.

Also, if you think its also because you are stiff, work on leg stretches to the front side a back (take the inside of your heel and lift your leg to the side, or front) And for the back take the top of your foot and stretch your leg up

balletgirlsroc · Joined: 07 Nov 2008 Posts: 10

Just make sure when going for extra height, don't sacrafice good posture and technique or you won't be able to hold it :)