Hello!

I posted this on the disco 18+ forum but then saw this and thought it might be a better place

I haven't competed or even danced disco properly in about a year and a half. I passed my teaching exam about a year ago but haven't had time to act much upon it as I am at university still. I teach a small, non competitive street dance class but this doesn't really compare to freestyle!

I was never the most flexible dancer in the first place and tore my right hamstring just before I retired which definately hindered me! I could do two way splits (not box), leg hold on one side, my back was pretty good but my shoulders not so much! From what I can tell nothing much has changed from then to now.

Sorry for my life story but just wanted some good advice on whether or not it is too late to increase my flexibility?

I feel like flexibility is becoming such a big part of disco and when I do come to teaching more independantly, I want to be able to show my dancers how to do moves!

I'm willing to put in the work of stretching everyday, i'm also taking up a contemporary class as I feel this will help . But just would like someone to tell me it will be worth it? Or am I really too old?

I've really lost my confidence. My teacher never really encouraged stretching and flexibility and not really any of the dancers at my school were mega flexible. I just want to be a good teacher.

Jade xx

In my opinion, no one is ever too old to work on flexibility. Just make sure you're careful and take it slow, especially if you've had problems with pulled muscles and such in the past

It is never too late to improve your flexibility, or your strength. And like anything else, if you make it a priority, you can achieve more than you might think!

You might search youtube for some video instructions on stretching for either belly dance or tai kwon do. I've studied both, and they each use wonderful stretching routines. You might find that their approach is more enjoyable and/or helpful than whatever exercises you've been using.

Also, while you have probably heard this a thousand times, it can't be said enough: DON'T bounce when you stretch! It actually has the reverse effect of making your muscles tighten up, and also increases the chances of injury.

Incorporate small stretching interludes into your daily routines, as well - for instance, I do calf stretches while brushing my teeth or standing on line. It's a nice way to get a small stretch going without feeling like I'm "excersizing" - and I believe that small stretches throughout the day are a huge boost to your main flexibility program.

Best of luck with your efforts, and do take the time to look into a variety of stretching exercises to find the ones that will work on your toughest areas, that you will enjoy, and that will provide as much diversity as possible for your stretch routine.