How do I get my leg up there?

[irishprincess]

Okay, I'm going to try to explain this move, but if you don't understand it, I'll clarify....

 

In several pieces of choreography I've done, the leg is to be thrown up and to the side in a circle-ish thing, or simply flung up, or whatever. (Grand battement to the side, I guess). I just watched a video of myself on YouTube in West Side Story (awesome show, loved my part) and my leg, though thrown with everything I had and well stretched out, sort of floundered an inch above hip level.

 

Now, of course, I imagine myself throwing it to my head, like the movies, professionals and real dancers seem to manage, but I just can't seem to get it up there. What can I do to improve it?

 

(If this doesn't make sense, let me know)

[Victoria Leigh]

Irishprincess, high extensions come from flexibility. High extensions that are rotated and controlled come from a LOT of very hard work, over a very long period of time, even with natural flexibility. Without that, it takes even longer. Extension is improved by stretching, when you are warmed up, of course. Daily is best.

[insidesoloist]

What can I do to improve it?

 

Keep trying!

 

And remember to push down against the floor and brush to help get the momentum you need to make use of your hopefully-well-warmed-and-stretched muscles.

[citibob]

It's hard to know what you could do to improve without seeing the video.

[irishprincess]

It's hard to know what you could do to improve without seeing the video.

 

 

Yeah, probably, but I'm too embarrassed to post the link up here....but the advice has been wonderfully helpful so far....

[Mel Johnson]

And remember, building flexibility takes time and perseverance. The same goes for building strength. Patience and fortitude are involved. Take it one day at a time.