Splits and Back Bends

I have never been a flexible individual. This is a problem in the world of dancing, where splits, grand battements (ballet term), kicks etc are important components of routines. I can barely touch my toes,let alone do a split. Yet a display of flexibility can quickly impress everyone on the dance floor. Check out Franco Fromica’s splits:



As such, I have traded in my gym membership and weight training plan for yoga. The plan is to be doing splits and back bend in no time! What I really like yoga is the combination of strength conditioning, flexibility and use of core. All of these are fundamental in any form of dancing. In addition to this, the restorative yoga stretches have been especially helpful in relieving some of my muscle aches. I have now come to the conclusion that my ballet instructor just stole all of her warm up stretches from a yoga video. It's interesting to see how all of the various exercises and stretches lend to each art form.

I have been frequenting (not frequently enough perhaps) the Yoga Shala here in Calgary. I have done the warm flow and Ashtanga classes held on Saturdays. Both have been challenging (in a good way). The instructors are really good as well; they are more hands-on than those at other studios that I have been to. This has been a big positive for a yoga rookie such as myself. You can check out the class schedule on their website: www.yogashalacalgary.com.

Just remember to breathe! There’s nothing more embarrassing than passing out in the middle of the class…