Use to be able to both splits, but I was young and never really had to think about how to get to them (sort of happened on their own with some focus and practice).  Now I have to re-learn certain things.

>I have found that one of the best ways to work on the front/back splits is with grand battement in ballet.  You have to be fully warmed up for any stretching that you do. That is a must.  When you do a grand battement push off from the floor with your entire foot and feel the impetus upward, you will get a much higher kick and therefore a larger stretch.  When you actually work on the front/back splits (always warmed up) don't do it on a cold floor.  Don't do anything extreme, just gradually let yourself relax into the stretch.  Let gravity do the work.  It takes a great deal of time and patience for some people.  And, to be honest, there are some people who are just not made to be able to accomplish this split.  But you can work on it - thoughtfully and carefully.  Remember, it doesn't pay to push it and end up injured.  Basheva>>>I started dancing again a few months ago after several years of absence, started Yoga about a year ago.>>I have accomplished straddles(sp) (one leg to each side) type splits with several weeks of patients.>>Question is:  how can I ease myself into stretching the front of the thigh and hip area, or isolate it, to settle into a normal split (one leg to the front, one leg to the rear)?