Mobility is an important part of quality performance. However,  how  mobility is trained is often misunderstood. For years, many people relied almost entirely on long passive holds — sitting in splits, pulling a foot overhead, or having a partner push them deeper into range (WHICH WE NEVER RECOMMEND). The problem is that the body's tissue can only lengthen so much in one stretching session. Prolonged static stretching, unfortunately, does more to stretch the joints than the muscles, and over...

High, stable leg extensions are a common performance goal with our clients. However, achieving them requires more than flexibility alone. While stretching plays a role, true extension height and control come from a combination of mobility, strength, coordination, and alignment. At Performance Pilates and Rehab, we help dancers develop extensions that are not only higher but healthier, so they can reduce their risk of injury.  The Science Behind Leg Extensions Leg extensions are full-body...

What dance medicine says about readiness, screening, and strength Dear dancers, parents, and teachers, Going on pointe is one of the most exciting milestones in ballet training. Dance medicine research consistently shows that  strength, control, and movement quality matter more than age or X-rays alone  when deciding if a young dancer is ready. Let’s talk about what  actually  keeps first-year pointe dancers safe. Do I need an X-ray before going on Pointe? Some families are told that a dancer...