Dancer's Corner – Standing Leg Strength

Standing Leg Strength

It is easy to be distracted by the extravagance of the working leg (the leg in the air) performing a grand rond de jambe. The higher the leg the more we swoon. However, without the strength of a stable and solid standing leg performing a simple tendu becomes exceedingly challenging.

The standing or supporting leg draws its power from its connection to the floor. The stronger the connection to the floor the more a dancer can leverage off the force created. The deeper a tree’s roots into the ground the stronger the tree as it grows higher. Want higher extension? Then find the ground.

Many factors determine how to access the standing leg but none more important than the skeletal alignment of the pelvis on the leg. If the pelvis is not aligned properly on the head of the femur (thigh bone) than weight will be unevenly distributed down the leg. This puts the dancer at risk for hip, knee and ankle strain as all three joints will have to compensate for the weight collapsing down onto them.

Logan Glancy demonstrates an easy Thera Band exercise that targets the muscles of the standing leg that support the pelvis on the femur. Remember that what your working leg does is not the focus. Listen to the challenge placed onto the muscles of the standing hip socket as the working leg moves. DO NOT allow the choreography or the resistance of the band sway you off the leg. Perform 8 to 10 repetitions in all directions on both legs. Finish by removing the band and doing the series one more time while accessing the muscles on fire in the standing leg. It will only take a little practice before you notice a big difference in how you stand on that leg and therefore the ground.

WEADance’s video blog providing tips and tutorials for young dancers. Learn proper conditioning and strengthening techniques to keep safe and strong. Have questions or suggestions? Email Pilates 804

https://youtu.be/cpR-pmZJUE0

admin

We’re Building a New Facility!

By Madison Ellington | October 9, 2020

WEAD is coming back to the West End! To our very own, brand new building! The new space will be located on Ridgefield Parkway at the intersection of Pump Road in the Gleneagles Shopping Center. Look for our Coming Soon sign on the corner! We expect to move in over the summer of 2021! The […]

Small Biz Directory

By Madison Ellington | May 4, 2020

I’ve been thinking a lot about communities lately. In the sense that during this time of isolation and aloneness, it’s the support of our communities that gets us through this. So I took on a little project this weekend for our WEAD community. I have really felt the support from you all, students and parents […]

Studio Update

By WEADance | March 13, 2020

Dear WEAD families, In light of today’s developments surrounding COVID-19, WEAD has made the decision to close for two weeks beginning Saturday, March 14th. We will resume classes on Saturday, March 28th. We will hold classes tomorrow, March 13th, as regularly scheduled.  We have made this decision with the safety of our students, families, and staff […]

Madison Ellis, Biography

By Kate Semp | June 3, 2018

Born and raised in Richmond, Miss Madison’s passion for dance began at West End Academy. From student, to faculty, to now studio owner, she is delighted to carry on the legacy that Miss Mary Munroe began in 1976. Growing up a dancer As a child, dance always came first in Miss Madison’s life. Having been […]

Madison Ellis, Owner and School Director

By Kate Semp | June 3, 2018

Dear WEAD families and friends, My name is Miss Madison Ellis, and I am excited to share with you I am the new owner of West End Academy of Dance. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself, to share with you my plan for the school, both in the short and long term, […]

2017 Open House

By Kate Semp | July 15, 2017

August 12, 2017 10:00am – 2:00pm Join us to meet our instructors and take a tour of our studio space. Drop in for a  free class or classes and register for our 2017/2018 season. Browse our “yard sale” items. Free Popcorn!

Ensemble Showcase, May 20th, 7 pm showtime

By admin | May 5, 2017

Ensemble Showcase, 7 pm, May 20th from West End Academy of Dance on Vimeo. This year we celebrate five years of Ensemble at West End Academy of Dance. The Ensemble program was designed for the dancer that wanted more opportunity to perform.  Ensemble classes are held weekly at WEADance, and give dancers the chance to […]

Summer Registration is Open

By admin | February 28, 2017

WEADance Summer Schedule is now available and you may register online or in the office. Please call or email the office to discuss any placement questions.

Senior Spotlight

By admin | February 22, 2017

Meet Logan, one of our fabulous seniors! Logan from West End Academy of Dance on Vimeo.

Teacher Spotlight, Miss Rachel

By admin | February 22, 2017

We would like for you to know a little more about our teachers. Rachel from West End Academy of Dance on Vimeo.

WEAD