Strength. Stamina. Quick direction changes. Giant leaps.
So…are we talking about ballet or football? Could be both!
The list of professional athletes who’ve benefited from ballet is a long one. Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, Steve McLendon; NHL goaltender, Ray Emery; and former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield are just a few!
Ballet increases flexibility and improves coordination. In 2014, the Dallas Cowboys installed ballet barres outside the locker room for stretching purposes to help prevent injuries.
Take a look at Nathalia Arja, Principal Soloist with the Miami City Ballet, with New England Patriots tight end, Robert Gronkowski, in a “ballet lesson.”
Steve McLendon also talks about how ballet has improved his football game in this video. I don’t know how he fares on the gridiron, but his glissades are pretty good!
What did you think about his performance? Send us an email or a Facebook message and let us know!
Trip the light fantastic, dancers!
~Ms. Kerry