4 Ways to Build Proper Muscles for a Male Ballerina

1. A Strong Body Core, Makes for Strong Male Ballet Dancers

There are so many references in exercise to strength training and building proper muscles that tell us that we really need to have a strong body core. In ballet dancing, whether the dancer is male or female, this is particularly true. Having a strong core enables the body to do so much more. The body core is the trunk of the body, which includes the pelvis area. So many muscle areas work from or are supported from the body core like the lower back, the spine and the hips. Having a strong core as a male ballerina helps to protect these areas of the body. In addition to ballet training, male dancers need to do push-ups, ab crunches and squats to help keep their core strong.

2. Pump Some Iron Guys

It's going to surprise some to know that many male ballet dancers are so strong. They have to be to have lots of lean muscle mass lift and hold ballerinas in all types of positions and postures. They don't get this way by accident. It's not unusual to see a male dancer pumping a little iron. They train and learn how to lift the weights, hold the weights, turn the weights and lower the weights back down without dropping. This will strengthen and develop their arms and shoulders, which are needed in lifting ballerinas and also help them to avoid injuries.

3. Male Ballet Dancers Need to Build Strength in Their Joints

Male ballet dancers also need to have very strong ankles, knees, hips and joints everywhere. Their supporting joints take a beating as male dancers have more body and muscle weight than female ballerinas, so their ankles and other joints can take a pounding as they land in their leaps, jumps and turns. Their barre exercises help keep these areas flexible and their "center floor" exercises help strengthen, build proper muscles and tone their supporting joints. The center floor exercises also help with them toning the correct muscles to enable them to have a good "turnout," which is important for all ballet dancers, whether they are male or female.

4. Attend Male Specific Master Ballet Classes

Male ballet dancers should be conscious of learning correct technique in doing their ballet movements. They have to combine these with the weight lifting skills to hold a ballerina properly up over their head. In addition to taking regular ballet classes or attending normal rehearsals, male ballet dancers should find classes that are specifically for male ballet dancers that will teach more specifically the techniques for male dancers. The male specific classes can give more needed focus to building proper muscles for all aspects of male dancers in the ballet.