Technique Tuesday - Starting from the ankle up!!

TIPS FOR STRENGTHENING YOUR ANKLES

Ankle strengthening is something every dancer can work on! It will help with everything from balance, plies, to leaps. Here are a few easy exercises you can work on from home!

Thera-bands
One thing to try is doing exercises with a Thera-band. You can purchase one of these at a retail store, medical supply store or online. Because of the resistance the Thera-band provides, you can practice pointing and flexing against the band to create strength. You can also tie the band around your ankles and do your releve using the resistance to keep your ankles straight on both the way up and down.

​Releves
Another great strengthening exercise is to do simple releves. This will strengthen the muscles surrounding the ankle as well. Do these in first, second, and fifth positions. You can also do them on one foot holding the opposite leg in passé.

Alphabets
Something else to do is to spell out the alphabet with your foot. You can do this at school or at home, watching TV or anywhere!

Be sure to always stretch first and listen to your body. Don’t overdo it and if you keep working hard your strength will improve!