10/03/2026
Flexibility has always been valued in dance — but how it’s trained matters.
I find myself constantly frustrated seeing programs marketed to dancers promising “bigger shapes”, deeper splits and more extreme backbends through aggressive stretching methods. Too often these programs are run by people without appropriate training in exercise science, anatomy, biomechanics or injury prevention.
Research in dance medicine consistently shows that forcing range of motion — particularly through oversplits, pushed stretches or repeated passive backbends — can increase stress on joints, ligaments and the spine, especially in young and developing bodies.
Many dancers are already naturally hypermobile and don’t even realise it. For them, aggressive stretching can actually increase joint instability and injury risk rather than improve performance.
The safest and most effective approach for dancers is dance-specific training combined with strength and controlled mobility — building range that the body can actively support and control.
To be clear, I am not saying don’t stretch, I am just saying HOW your dancers stretches matters!
As parents, it’s worth doing a little homework before enrolling children in flexibility programs that promise dramatic results. Dance educators and movement coaches, have a responsibility to keep learning, reading the research and staying informed so they can protect the growing bodies they work with every day.
Beautiful movement should never come at the expense of long-term health. 🤸💃🕺🩰
