Dance "Art"

We thought it would be nice to show you famous art inspired by dance.  Here are just a few wonderful pieces from the mater Edgar Degas:

Three Ballet Dancers

Blue Dancers

The Dance Class

If you do a search for dance images by Edgar Degas you will find many more beautiful pieces of art!

How to Stretch for Greater Flexibility

One goal of most dancers is to increase their flexibility.  Being limber helps a dancer to avoid injury and also allows them to accomplish more technical moves.  Being more flexible allows a dancer to kick higher, touch their toes in a toe touch, do the splits, and many more moves. 

So how does a dancer increase their flexibility?  In order for the muscle to lengthen, a dancer must hold their stretch for 30 seconds to 1 minute.  Pulsing a stretch, or bouncing in a stretch may be fun to do, but it actually teaches the muscle to contract and decreases flexibility.  When a dancer holds a stretch they should remain still like a statue.  Holding a stretch for less than 30 seconds will not lengthen the muscle, so make sure to watch the clock while you're stretching.

Frequency will also help you increase flexibility.  Finding 8-10 minutes a day to stretch can have a huge effect on your flexibility.  Stretching while watching T.V. is a great way to relax and lengthen your muscles at the same time.