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Do Basketball Players Do Ballet?

Do Basketball Players Do Ballet?

Ballet and basketball are often considered to be complete opposites of one-another. Whereas basketball is often seen and regarded as a rough-and-tumble sport, requiring masculinity, grit, fortitude, and perseverance to reach the rim, ballet is seen as more effeminate, graceful, and done with poise.

However, basketball players, looking for an edge in the sport, will often turn to ballet to help fine-tune their skills, agility, speed, and flexibility.

Below, we are going to look into just whether or not basketball players do ballet, the exact reasons why so many basketball players practice ballet, how ballet can help basketball players to gain an edge over their competitors, and whether or not incorporating ballet into your own routine would be a useful exercise.

What Is Ballet?

Ballet is one of the oldest performance dances in the world. Originally originating during the Italian Renaissance in the fifteenth century, it would be later developed into a concert dance form in both France and Russia.

Ballet, perhaps more than any other dance form, has had global influence and has defined the foundational techniques which are found in so many other dance genres and cultures.

However, what distinguishes ballet from so many other dance genres, is that it is a unified work which is comprised of choreography and music specifically for a production. While classical ballets were usually performed with classical music and elaborate costumes and staging, more modern versions feature simple costumes and without elaborate sets.

What Are The Benefits of Ballet?

Ballet, in a similar vein to yoga, provides a holistic approach to life-long wellness and care for the ballet dancer. An excellent workout for the entire body, ballet is a weight-bearing form of exercise and is able to strengthen the muscles, promote healthy bones, and can be used as a weight-loss regimen.

Similarly, and even further, as ballet utilizes the full range of muscles, it is a great exercise for coordination and concentration. In addition, ballet provides flexibility, improves stamina, posture, and energy, and helps to improve both balance and breathing.

Below, we are going to list the full benefits of ballet, as mentioned on Ballet Fusion.

  1. Improves flexibility
  2. Tones muscles
  3. Improves muscle strength
  4. Lengthens muscles
  5. Improves stamina
  6. Improves coordination
  7. Improves posture
  8. Increased energy
  9. Great for mindfulness and calming
  10. Improves concentration
  11. Increases metabolic rate
  12. Great for expression
  13. Improves self confidence
  14. Improves balance
  15. Assists with lymph drainage
  16. Releases endorphins
  17. Improves breathing
  18. Burns calories
  19. Fends off dementia
  20. Keeps bones strong

Why Do Basketball Players Practice Ballet?

As mentioned above, ballet can provide a plethora of benefits to the participant. From improved breathing, to coordination and balance, to increased stamina and energy. Ballet is one of the only full-body workouts which truly incorporates all muscles and body groups into the activity.

And for basketball players looking to gain an edge over their competitors, ballet offers one of the best and easiest ways to do so. In basketball, stamina and endurance are key to fending off competitors and maintaining an edge in the game.

By practicing and engaging in ballet, these basketball players are able to train both their body and their minds to withstand the grueling hours of practice and repeated abuse on the court.

In addition, with ballet providing a practical and straightforward means to improving balance, coordination, and concentration, basketball players are better able to transfer those skills from the dance studio to the basketball court.

Is Engaging In Ballet Embarrassing?

While many basketball players like to portray themselves as ultra-macho and masculine, the truth of the matter is that any sport, dance, or activity which can give a user an edge in their sport should be engaged in or attempted.

And while ballet is typically considered to be a feminine activity, the truth is that a plethora of men engage in the activity to help improve their mind and body and their overall wellbeing. Ballet provides a vast list of health benefits which many other sports simply cannot.

As such, we highly recommend attempting to learn some of the basics of the dance, if only to improve your abilities on the gridiron. However, if you do feel embarrassed about attending a yoga class or to be seen in a yoga studio, there are plenty of classes available online to help you gain the benefits of yoga.

For starters, we recommend checking out both Learn Ballet Online and Dancio. Both Learn Ballet Online and Dancio provide a wealth of information, knowledge, and videos on the basics of the dance and will help you to get started in ballet.

However, we do recommend purchasing a ballet barre for home use. Having a ballet barre will help you to perform the sets and routines more properly and easily. We personally recommend this adjustable and portable ballet barre which can be adjusted to fit your height preference.