Our legs and lower body are used extensively in ballet and sometimes to the extreme, pushing our muscles and joints into positions the body isn't naturally used to. It is because of this that stretching has a massive impact on our body, helping to prepare us and then to relax us everyday. Practicing stretching and developing flexibility is crucial in ballet. The more flexibility your body has, the easier it will be able to hold your body in specific positions, and also to move more freely. One a dancer can move more freely, they can focus less on the physical movements and focus more on being also being an artist, after all ballet is an art.
Here are some useful stretches for your legs and lower body that will leave you feeling prepared and ready to go for class and rehearsals if you're a dancer or just a great stretch after a lower body workout at home or in the gym.