Yoga and Pilates are a great introduction to the intricate muscles you work during a dance session. When utilized intentionally and with strength, these small muscles support the joints and larger muscles, leading to a more thorough workout. The risk of injury during any exercise is significantly reduced when a thorough stretch precedes the activity.

Tai Chi is likewise an excellent compliment to bellydance, as it develops balance, posture, and deepens your awareness of the body and the world.

Here are some of my favorite stretching postures. Cycle through!
-neck circles neck, shoulders
keeping neck long, extend r/l, front, look up
-torso circle obliques, spine, abs
horizontal chest circle , hips still
-forward bend hamstring & core
bend fwd at hips@ 90degrees, sunbreath, fold
-downward dog hamstring & core
palms on floor, extend feet behind, turn tail up
-runners lunge legs, sit muscles
lunge fwd, back leg straight, front bent, back upright, sit into hips
-deep squat hip flexors, thighs, lower legs
feet hip width, squat, push knees out w/elbows, palms together
-vietnam squat lower legs, balance
feet together, squat, lean arms & upper body forward to balance
-straddle full legs and core
sit in straddle, reach l/r, back, fold over knees
-pike hamstrings, quads
sit in pike, back straight or leaning fwd, lift heels off ground
-sphinx upper back, upper abdominals
belly on ground, elbows under shoulders, lift head
-cobra back & core
belly on ground, palms under shoulders, reverse curve in back
-locust back & core, gluts, full body!
belly on ground, hands past the head, chest/arms & legs off ground
-butterfly outer thighs & hip flexors
sit upright, soles of feet together, press knees down
OR sit upright, feet rest on top of opposite knees, press down
-quad stretch quads, feet
kneel & lean back, or squat with hands behind you, press knee down
-V-stretch entire core, legs
sit with legs bent, lift legs off the floor, extend arms to balance
-thigh stretch lateral thigh muscles
lay on back, legs in air, extended straight, turn feet inward then out.