I wanted to share this because I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw it. This may be the most flexible human being I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s amazing. Also cringeworthy. And I’m a bit worried about her bone structure when she grows up…
To relate this to ballet (which I better do as it’s on my blog), I’ll point out first that this is rhythmic gymnastics, not ballet. There are similarities, yes, but different goals to achieve in each.
Another thing to note is that the Russians are known for emphasizing flexibility and body proportions in ballet. Trainers are known for manually stretching their students’ feet and legs, and this seems to be an amplification of that same impulse. I can’t imagine how many hours this girl spends stretching (or being stretched) every day.
I’m not sure how I feel about this. It’s impressive, to be sure, but hard to believe that it’s healthy. Of course, I suppose the same holds true for ballet.
Corporal Culture 
Hi Lucas,
I fear for young kids’ future when I see this. The sacrifice is made for the present and not their future. I have written two posts specifically about this epidemic in ballet.
“What is over stretching? It is not stretching too often. It is going beyond a reasonable range for your body. That is my layman definition.
Dictionary definition:
To stretch one’s body or muscles to the point of strain or injury.”
http://theaccidentalartist.me/what-not-to-do-in-ballet-and-overstretching-part-two/
I also fear that this extreme threatens the ballet aesthetic and artistry, in general. Thanks!
Sarah
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Thanks for your commentary. I always wonder where that line is. Maybe this girl grows up to function just fine…
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