Stretching for improvement!
Practicing
and stretching at home is so important for a budding young dancer! Once a week
in class does the basics; your child learns the basics and correct techniques,
but to maintain and gain these abilities they must practice at home. Since the
classes for a lot of young dancers only happen once or twice a week, it’s a
good idea to encourage your child to go through the steps for memory’s sake as
well as stretching to help keep their flexibility from week to week as this
builds muscle memory. Take it from someone who has been able to achieve the
splits one week, only to be disappointed the next week when I’ve not been able
to do it again. Consistent and continual striving for flexibility will gain the
best results. Dance is a sport, and just like any other, they get to be the
best by training constantly. There are
many ways to help your child, firstly by just reminding your child to practice.
At this stage, even just going over the exercises without music will help their
mind and muscle memory. Secondly, YouTube! YouTube tutorials are a great way to
find new stretches and exercises. The third tip is to physically help you child
stretch. Maybe you could even stretch WITH your child to help encourage them;
get them to teach you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5Ic4dOwrWA
is a great starting point!