Do Ballet dancers have hyperextended knees?

Hyperextended knees are a blessing and a curse. Sure, they can help achieve a beautiful classical line, but they signify naturally loose joints, putting hypermobile dancers at greater risk of injury.

Why do dancers want hyperextended knees?

Hyperextension of the knee is associated with insufficient co-contraction of the hamstrings and quadriceps. The balance between the two groups of muscles is distorted. The dancer does not recruit the quadriceps to lift the knee cap and tract it up and the hamstrings and calves to control the extension of the knee.

Is having hyperextended knees bad?

During hyperextension, the knee joint bends the wrong way, which often results in swelling, pain and tissue damage. In severe cases, ligaments such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), or popliteal ligament (the ligament along the back of the knee) may be sprained or ruptured.

Is hyperextension bad in ballet?

Funnily enough, hyperextension is coveted by the Ballet world, even though it’s not always aesthetically pleasing (in my opinion) and quite harmful if not trained properly. Having hyperextended knees provides for longer, precise lines and is an indication of training and strength.

Does ballet ruin your hips?

But, there’s a catch – the shallow hip socket relies much more on the labrum and surrounding soft tissue structures for stability and as a result, ballet dancers frequently suffer from labral tears, hip flexor tendonitis, and cartilage damage.

Are hyperextended legs good for ballet?

Hyperextended legs, in which the straightened knee naturally curves behind the thigh and calf muscles, are prized in the world of extreme ballet bodies. The dancer must think of lengthening rather than straightening or locking the knee, even if it feels slightly bent.

Is hyperextension good for ballet?

Can you have naturally hyperextended knees?

Joints have a predetermined range of motion available, and that range is determined by muscle length, bone size, cartilage and ligaments. Some of us are born with a natural hyperextension (like ‘double-jointed’ elbows), while others train their bodies to work within a greater range of movement.

Is ballet good for your knees?

Ballet technique, on the other hand, teaches proper alignment and use of the knees. And if there is one joint you really want to protect and preserve, it’s your knees!

Does ballet make your legs longer?

Ballet stretches muscles in all parts of the body; legs, arms, torso, back, neck, feet… the list goes on. Through increased stretching with body weight exercises (which are all ballet exercises by the way), muscles become longer, stronger and more resistant to tearing or strain.

Are hyperextended knees considered a flaw in ballet?

Yes. While all most ballerinas want hyperextended knees for whatever reason, they are technically considered a flaw according to classical ballet standards.

Is ballet bad for your knees?

While ballet is highly physical, most ballet dancers aren’t active enough to improve their aerobic health. Work on a general fitness regimen throughout the week to reduce your risk of injury. [5] Be sure to avoid sports that are known for causing damage to the knees like basketball or tennis.

What is hyperextension in ballet?

In the ballet world, when we talk about hyperextension, we almost exclusively refer to knee hyperextension. It is worst noting that there are other joints in your body that can hyperextend: your elbows, your wrists, your shoulders, your spine, your fingers, etc.

Is hyperextension good for knees?

Recently, hyperextension has become a trend as it is believed to be more aesthetically appealing. Some dancers, and some teachers, promote hyperextension, increased genu recurvatum with daily routines to increase knee flexibility.