written by Tom Blair  on 01.12. at 16:15:35

First:  Never stretch cold!!!!  Show up at least 10 minutes before class and do some jogging in place or jumping jacks until you are breathing deeeply and you are warm.  ThenI like to start by stretching the calves (lean against the wall with both hands and your feet out about 3 or 4 feet.  Keep knees straight.  Give your calves a gentle stretch.  Don't push this hard.

Then I like to do leg brushes - kind of like a grand battlement but loose - dont worry about form or pointed feet or straight knees - but try to get a good stretch in the groin.  Do them front-back and then side.

I think you need at least 2 classes a week.  Not more at first.  In the mornings on days when you have no class.  Practice demi-plies and tendus with long straight back, hips tucked under.  Work on turnout from the hips (dont force this).

Dance on!!

..tom