Friday 4 February 2022

Core strengthening for dancers


What is the definition of core control?


All of the muscles that help you stay balanced and run through the trunk of your body make up your core. As a result, your core is much more than your abdominal muscles. The muscles on your sides, back, and through your pelvis are also included. Deep core muscles include the transverse abdominis, diaphragm, pelvic floor, and multifidus (muscles located between your vertebrae). The rectus abdominis, obliques, erector spinae, and gluteal muscles, on the other hand, are outer core muscles. The deep group is a supporting group that acts on a more delicate level than the outer group, which consists of large, active moving muscles. Finding a comfortable balance between the two is crucial. We frequently over-activate our outer muscles while neglecting our inner muscles.


What role does the core have in dancing technique?


You must keep balance while dancing while undertaking a variety of tough manoeuvres. Your core stabilises your body, helping you to accomplish tough dance routines without losing control and guaranteeing that you complete them securely and firmly every time. It also increases stamina by integrating your core in breathing and improving the efficiency of your motions. Out-of-control bodies consume energy!


Dancers should strengthen their core muscles in a variety of postures and activities because they work together to stabilize the body in a coordinated manner. The following exercises for strengthening general core strength are recommended by three former ballet dancers who are now Pilates instructors.


With the ball, do double and single leg pelvic curls.


Step 1: Lie down on your back with your heels on the ball and your legs bent at a 90-degree angle, with the ball against the wall.


Step 2: Exhale and gently press your heels into the ball, sliding your pelvis and spine off the mat one bone at a time, until your hips are high and your knees, hips, and shoulders are all in a straight line.


Step 3: Take a deep breath in and slowly exhale, working your way back down your spine until you're flat on your back.


Rep ten times, then try with one leg. As you improve, you'll be able to move the ball away from the wall.


Adductor squeeze with Criss Cross


Step 1: Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat. Place a softball between your knees. Place your hands behind your neck with your elbows open.


Step 2: Raise your head and shoulders off the mat while maintaining a neutral pelvis.


Step 3: Exhale while gently squeezing the ball with your left elbow crossed over your right knee with your left elbow crossed over your right knee.


Step 4: Inhale deeply and slowly rotate your torso to the centre, releasing the squeeze.


Step 5: Exhale deeply while crossing your right elbow across your left knee.


Alternate sides to keep the chest lift going. Reps should be increased until you reach ten.


Kneeling glute lift

Step 1: Go in a neutral spine position on your hands and knees, with your knees exactly under your hips and your hands beneath your shoulders.

Step 2: As you exhale, shift your weight to your left knee and raise your right foot to the sky, keeping your knee bent, foot flexed, and leg parallel. (Take care to keep your spine in alignment)

Step 3: As you inhale, return to the starting position and repeat with the left leg.

Perform ten reps on one side before switching sides. Then, while keeping appropriate alignment, try ten reps extending the opposing arm forward.

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