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Writer's pictureVeronica K

Forget the Six-Pack: Ballet Core Training for Young Dancers is About Technique, Not Aesthetics (Why Instructors Need a Better Approach)

Updated: Apr 8


Muscled gym lady with abdominals
Example of beautiful visable abdominals but, do dancers need this to have a strong core?

"Suck in your tummy!" "Don't show your belly!" – Sound familiar?


As a personal trainer who works with dancers, these are phrases I hear way too often. But here's the truth bomb: core training for dancers goes way beyond aesthetics and quick fixes.

It's about building a rock-solid foundation that unlocks incredible technique gains and keeps them injury-free.


I'm here to tell you that core training for young dancers isn't about chasing a magazine cover or sculpting a six-pack. It's about empowering them to master their center of gravity, boost their stability, and explode their performance potential.



Let's bust some common ballet core training myths:


  • Myth #1: Core Training = Rock-Hard Abs:  While abs are part of the core, it's a much bigger picture. Your core is a complex system that includes your back, hips, and pelvis. Training these muscles together creates a powerhouse for controlled movement.

  • Myth #2: It's Just About Looking "Ripped":  Teenage dancers are still growing and developing. Their focus should be on functional strength, not achieving a certain look. Core training helps dancers move efficiently, preventing injuries and allowing them to push their technique further.


So, what kind of technique gains can dancers expect with proper ballet core training?

  • Posture Like a Pro: A strong core provides better spinal alignment, leading to a more graceful and elongated dance posture.

  • Jumps and Leaps That Soar: Core strength translates to explosive power, making jumps and leaps higher and more controlled.

  • Turns That Don't Wobble: Core engagement helps dancers maintain stability during pirouettes and other turns, preventing wobbly executions.

  • Body Awareness for Better Movement: Core training improves a dancer's understanding of their body's center, leading to more precise and efficient movement.


Pregnant ballet dancer
36 weeks pregnant still working my core

The Frustration Factor: Why Consistency Matters

Here's the real problem I see: many dance instructors get stuck in a cycle of quick fixes. They throw random "core exercises" at their students, exercises that don't target the right muscles or lack proper progression. This leads to frustration when students don't see immediate results in their bodies or technique.


Building core strength in young dancers takes time and consistent training. Instructors need to be patient and provide a structured program that gradually challenges students while ensuring proper form.


That's why I created the course for all types of dancers Core is More Instructor Certification Course. This program equips dance instructors with the knowledge and tools to effectively teach core control to young to adult dancers of all genres.


You'll learn:

  • Anatomy of the Core: Understand the complex network of muscles that make up a dancer's core.

  • Progression and Technique: Master the science of building core strength progressively, avoiding plateaus and injuries.

  • Age-Appropriate Exercises: Learn a library of engaging exercises specifically designed for young dancers' bodies and development stages.

  • Motivating Young Dancers: Discover techniques to keep students engaged and excited about core training, fostering a healthy relationship with their bodies.

Are you a dance instructor who wants to see your students truly flourish with a strong core and deeper body awareness? Join the Core is More Instructor Certification Course today! Use code INSTRUCTOR5678 for $10 off your enrollment. Invest in your students' success and watch them achieve their dance goals with confidence and control.





Did you know the core is more than abdominals?

  • Yes!

  • No!


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