Dear Katie: My Knees Constantly Look Bent!

March 8, 2018


In our “Dear Katie” series, former NYCB soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email
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Dear Katie,

I have an issue with my knees. Since they’re not hyperextended at all, I feel like they constantly look a little bit bent. What can I do to improve my line?

Tabitha

Dear Tabitha,

Everyone wants hyperextended knees, but they aren’t always the easiest to handle. You probably have better balance and turning ability than your hyperextended friends, since your knee joints are more stable!

That said, there are ways to improve the look of your line. Don’t just think about straightening your knee; think about the whole leg. Your quad muscles are what lift your kneecaps, so think of pulling up from the tops of your thighs to straighten your knees, rather than locking back into the knee joint. And be sure to stretch your quads daily. When those muscles are too tight, they can shorten your line.

Also, make sure you aren’t sitting in your hips. If you make an effort to keep the front of your hips flat and to lift up through the waist, you’ll give your legs more room to fully stretch.


For more of Katie’s helpful tips and advice, click here.