Help with ballet dancing?

Question:

Help with ballet dancing?

Im 16 and I've been doing ballet since i was 8 but the last few years i kept going back and forth about dancing or not..I havent been dancing for nearly a year. Finally i have decided to stick to it n never leave it anymore because i realised how much i like it. I need some tips on how to become more flexible and better in practice and also if u no any gd sites for ballet exercises coz i need to do extra work and i have a problem with my toes they dnt point enough...I need ur advice n ur help plzzz...thx!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I really recommend buying a subscription to Dance Spirit magazine. They update you on all the new exercises and stretches to do to make you stronger! :) Like anything it takes time so don't feel pressured. O and for the pointing problem. Using a theraband...
*great website*
http://www.chicagodancesupply.com/feet.h...

Here are some great stretching and conditioning exercises to try(but, as always, make sure you're warm~):
1) Pushup up exercise and good pench㩠stretch:
Get into pushup position, making sure your abs are tightened(like someone is punching you in the stomach.) Go half way into a pushup, then all the way into it(nose almost touching the ground), then back to the half pushup position and then back to original position. Lift one leg up as high as you can go without moving hips, hold and then press back into a pench㩠with arms still on the floor, continually trying to push your pench㩠further. Then return to pushup position. Repeat this alternating legs. I usually do this 5 times per leg, so ten total. Your arms will begin to burn, but its so good for you!

2)Next exercise:
This one is kind of hard to explain. Stand on your knees with you left arm next to you on the floor. With your right arm in high fifth, lift the right leg and stretch the torso so that your body is basically parallel to the ground. Next slowly allow your left hip to come as close to the ground without letting yourself touch the ground. Repeat this 15 times on each side, trying to keep the leg as high as possible. You probably won't feel this until you finish and sit down!

3) A good balance exercise:
Stand with legs in parallel or turned out first, whichever you prefer. Fondu on your standing leg and lift your freen leg to the back, tipping your torso forward with a flat back and your arms above your head. Don't let your torso dip too far forward. Then bring the leg back through the starting position and battement up to 90 or higher with arms out to the side. Repeat.

4) A good exercise for your abs:
Lay on your back with your arms either above your head or out to the side. Lift both legs so they are pointing towards the ceiling. As you lower them, bring one leg to pass㩠and don't let your legs touch the ground. Then lift them back so they are pointing straight up. Alternate pass㩳 and do this as many times as you can.

5) A variation of a normal kick combo across the floor (a good stretch and good for your balance!)
Start with right foot back, step right, bring the left leg to pass㩬 grab your instep, and extend to the front as high as you can go, hold 8 counts. Then step on the left foot, turning to the side. Bring the right leg to pass㩬 grabbing the instep and extend to the side, hold for 8 counts. Step on the right leg, turning to the left. Use your foot/thigh (depending on your flexibility) and extend your left leg to the back, hold for 8 counts. Now step on the left leg and repeat everything on the other side!
More Advanced: After holding the extension to the front bring the leg to passe and layout at the same time. To the side after holding the extension relev㩠and let go of the leg, try to hold it as high as possible. To the back developp㩠to arabesque and pench㩠forward, recover and lower the back leg into a split. Stretch forward in the split, grab your leg and roll to the inside(R split, roll left, vice versa). Pull the leg in for a good stretch, then switch legs and stretch the other leg. Try to roll to the inside into that split now. Hold the split, then stretch forward and pull back onto the back knee, with the front knee straight and your torso in a lay out(this takes a bit of strength and practice.) Slide back into your split, sit into double attitude, stand up and repeat on other leg.