Conditioning for Dance

The innovative, proven techniques in this book will help you execute key movements better as you

·strengthen the muscles you use in dance by performing exercises with elastic resistance bands;
·start and move in proper alignment using imagery;
·improve your balance and release tension through playful exercises with small balls;
·develop leg and torso power that translates to higher jumps and tighter turns; and
·optimize your flexibility through touch, movement awareness, and imagery.

Conditioning for Dance features 102 imagery illustrations paired with dance-specific exercises to help you maximize body–mind conditioning. The book culminates with a 20-minute, full-body barre workout routine designed to help you warm up, condition, and refine your dance technique.

By working the muscles through movements and ranges of motion that approximate the demands of your chosen dance form, you directly enrich your performance capabilities. And as you strengthen the body’s core, stretch to gain just the right amount of flexibility, and incorporate the power of the mind, you unleash your full artistic and physical potential.

I was turned on to this book by a martial arts colleague.
It has changed the way we look at our martial arts practice.
Franklin does a really nice job of describing the pertinent
functional anatomy in many key areas of your body (pelvis and
pelvic floor, including iliopsoas, back, legs, internal organs,
etc.)-- specifically the importance of key biomechanical
properties. He describes very enriching visualization and touch/
feel exercises to induce greater awareness and relaxation,
thereby promoting function. Higher kicks and jumps, deeper
squats (plie's), all with less effort. It's clear, and the
exercises work!

There are exercises for awareness, relaxation, alignment,
stretching, and strengthening. They are simple, easily done
with small Pilates-type balls and Thera-band, but some
are quite hard and take some work!

My only complaint is that some of his diagrams lack detail,
or there aren't enough diagrams or pictures to fully elucidate
the anatomy or the exercises. He does provide excellent
descriptive text, however.

I've recommended this text to other martial artists, to my
colleagues, to physical therapists, and to medical students.
Well done, and I will certainly add some of his other books to \
my wish list!


The best dance conditioning book out there!   October 20, 2004
A. DELUGT
32 out of 33 found this review helpful

As a pre-professional ballet student, I had been looking for exercises to improve my alignment and technique. When I found this book, I absolutely knew that this was the key. Franklin is the great pioneer with the idea that releasing tension enhances your technique and decreases injury potential. His conditioning exercises deal a lot with imagery, something that helps you so much that you have no idea until you try it. I highly recommend this book to all students and teachers of dance, particularly ballet. Franklin's exercises mostly deal with using therabands and rolling balls which is very effective.

I adore Eric Franklin; he is absolutely brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!


For all who dance   January 12, 2006
Demark Manigo (Savannah, GA USA)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This book should be a mandatory textbook for all dance students and trainees alike.An awesome tool for teachers who really want to focus on improving their students alignment without the normal bustle with a standard class. Mr. Franklin takes you on a journey that allows you to discover your body and know its limitations and how to get better. The information in this book is priceless. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in a full-time career in dance. Your body will never be the same again.


Excellent tool for any dancer!   November 11, 2006
Lauren E. Ellis (Birmingham, AL)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This book has been very helpful to me as I returned to ballet at 27 after a two year hiatus. I purchased the Franklin Method balls and found them very useful in implementing some of the exercises. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to increase their abilities and lenghten the life of their physical abilities.


Conditioning for Dance   September 20, 2005
K. Eaton (Boulder, Colorado, USA)
12 out of 14 found this review helpful

I am inspired by Eric Franklin's style of imagery and toning for dance and life. I practice and study belly dance of all types (cabaret, fusiobm tribal, etc.) and felt a need for additional understanding of toning and timing of various stretches in the warm up and cool down. The author has thought, practiced, and taught his techniques to thousands of dancers and has extensive knowledge of successes. His practical wisdom makes tremendous sense to me in my experience with Feldenkrais, Functional Anatomy, and yoga. I highly recommend this book to 'humans with bodies', and in particular, those that enjoy moving with grace and ease. Happy living!