i find that after i dance and do my middle splits that they hurt and sometimes click, even when i'm doing plies in second. is there any stretches that are specifically for your hips?

Dancin Babe first let me welcome you to the board - it's great to have you join us.<P>Pain is not a good indicator - pain is a signal to stop. And, generally speaking, clicks can be a sign of trouble too. Not always, but sometimes. But pain is certainly a sign of trouble.<P>Perhaps you are going down too far in your plié in second. Make sure before you do grand plié in second that you do several in a demi plié in second - and see if that helps. In other words warm up the hip first before you do a grand plié in second. <P> And I would recommend that you don't do any grand plié in any position except second - which would also help both your hips and your knees.<P>You might also try standing in retiré and slowly swing your lifted leg in and out several times. That is also a good way to warm up. Another way is to do battement en cloche - gently - not very high or fast as a hip warmup.<P>Are you doing your middle splits only when you are thoroughly warmed up? You should never do them unless you are completely warmed up - like after the barre - or even after the entire class. <P>Perhaps you are pressing down too much in those middle splits. You might want to ease up. And you should mention this to your teacher and see what she says.<P>I hope this helps. Let me know.<p>[This message has been edited by Basheva (edited June 02, 2001).]

thanx for the advice, i tried warming them up that way and it helped a lot.... i'll ask my teacher about other ways!!