flexibility

This course aims to give dance teachers, therapists, pilates and yoga instructors a range of suitable exercises, stretches and fascial mobilisers that will help their students achieve their best possible range. Since the science behind flexibility has changed, it only makes sense that the methods we use to increase flexibility change too. A multifaceted approach to flexibility is now recommend with students recognising what type of restriction they are feeling and mobilising that structure specifically rather than just pushing through it. There are many types of restriction that may be holding them back from their full range, including muscular, neural, fascial or even a bony restrictions in some individuals. Identifying which type of blockage is present and using specific techniques to release the varying types of restrictions is the quickest and most effective way to increasing mobility.

Participants are taught a holistic, no stress approach to flexibility to reduce stress in all areas of the body. The course uses a synthesis of ancient wisdom and the latest anatomical research, incorporating but not limited to therapeutic treatment techniques, the principles of yoga and the anatomical fascial trains model from Thomas Myers.

We discuss the best ways to incorporate these techniques into the dance classroom and into the students’ conditioning programs. A basic understanding of conditions like Hypermobility is given to cater for the increasing numbers of students with extreme mobility in the dance world today. Specific ‘dos and dont’s’ are outlined for pre-class warming up/stretching routines and the post class conditioning routine.