IADMS New York 2002   [back to the Category]

Barre Training With Exercise Balls: An Alternative Training for Dancer’s Core Stability   [read the french version]

Author :   Joelle Segers, Bsc PT, Bsc Kine

Barre Training With Exercise Balls:
An Alternative Training for Dancer’s Core Stability

Joelle Segers, Bsc PT, Bsc Kine
Motion Matters Physiotherapy Clinic
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada


J. Segers, PT developed an original technique to improve general proprioception, coordination and footwork of the dancers. The technique consists in a series of exercises using exercise balls to stabilize the pelvic area as well as the dancer’s supporting leg. Ball exercises are fun, inexpensive, challenging and suitable for every technical levels or age.

There will be an introduction explaining the principles involving ball exercises and why/ how it applies to dancers. A short warm-up with the balls will follow.

Each basic barre exercise (plies, tendus, ronds de jambe, etc.) will then be demonstrated and experimented by the participants. There will be progression for each exercise to match everyone’s technical level. Each exercise will involve various combination of movement. These combinations are closely related to the ones done at the barre in a regular ballet class. Therefore the dancer will be able to directly transfer the benefit of these exercises into his/her regular training.


The end of the class will include release technique or/and short improvisation.

A short period of question will close the session.