Getting Back

[Josie:)]

Hi,

I just started ballet again after a 2 week break. During class last night,my calves were cramping up a lot. I have been having this problem for the past 3 months but not as severe. Are there any excercises I can do to prevent my calves from cramping so much?

[Victoria Leigh]

Josie, do you stretch them really well before class, and maybe several other times a day? It's not unusual for them to cramp after a break, but it should not happen on a regular basis unless you are doing something incorrectly. Do you put your heels down when you jump and relevé? Any chance you are rolling in? Gripping or curling your toes?

[Josie:)]

I get to class early and stretch at the bar and try to get some stretches in after. It usually happens when I balance on passé.

[Victoria Leigh]

Sounds like you are gripping, and probably need to check that your alignment is correct in that position, whether it is at the barre or in the center. But so be sure to do calf stretches frequently, and always before class.

[Josie:)]

Ok,thanks!