Ice-Dancer Posted May 25, 2013 Report Share Posted May 25, 2013 I've recently returned to ballet after 5 years of struggling and recovering from an eating disorder. I'm 19, left ballet when i was 14, and found that coming back, my body is VERY different and FEELS very different. I've lost so much flexibility in my back and hamstrings, as well as a bit of strength. What's bothering me the most (and seems to not be getting any better) is my developpe to the front. I have been stretching and practicing the developpes, with little or no improvement. I feel stuck, and very discouraged. My question is, is there a different approach to working on developpe front I should take to because I am older? Will my developpe front improve, or am I simply too old? My developpe front is right at 90, and above 90 in all other directions. Thank you for your help, I hope this question makes sense! Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted May 25, 2013 Administrators Report Share Posted May 25, 2013 Ice-Dancer, five years out of ballet is a long time. You were a young teen and now, a young adult. The body changes in those years, and loss of strength and flexibility is almost inevitable. It took you a long time to get where you were when you stopped, and it will take a long time to get back there. But, at 19, it's certainly possible. You will need to have patience, and realize that you were not doing this for a very long time, and it is going to take a long time to get it all working again. You need to work slowly, but consistently, and don't try to force it. Patience and classes! There is no different approach now that you are older, as long as you are getting good ballet training! Hang in there and be persistent, but don't hurt yourself by trying to get there yesterday! Link to comment
Ice-Dancer Posted May 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2013 Thank you so much Ms. Leigh! I definetely don't feel as discouraged :-) Thank you again! Link to comment
Ice-Dancer Posted May 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2013 I have another question to ask I was thinking about. When I'm in class, should I hold my developpe at 90, if 90 is as far as I can go with keeping correct form? Will it gradually get higher if I continue to stretch and hold it with proper form? I feel like if I try to force it to go any higher, my hip starts to lift and I can't maintain my turnout. Thanks! Sorry to post another reply :-P Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted May 26, 2013 Administrators Report Share Posted May 26, 2013 Extension without placement and rotation is useless. No point is forcing in beyond where it can correctly go. Link to comment
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