Rethinking Hypermobility
Rethinking Hypermobility: From “Flexible” to “In Control”
For years, hypermobile dancers were praised for their long lines, open hips, and “effortless” extensions. Flexibility seemed like the gold standard. But here’s the truth: flexibility without control isn’t a strength—it’s a liability.
Hypermobility isn’t just being bendy. It’s actually a tone regulation challenge. The nervous system allows the dancer access to wide ranges of motion, but often without enough stability to safely control them. This mismatch can lead to instability, chronic pain, and repeated injuries.
As one expert wisely said:
“You are a threat to yourself if you can access ranges of motion that you cannot control.”
And here’s the key: control is brain-based. The brain and nervous system regulate muscle tone, balance, and coordination. If the brain doesn’t feel safe in a range, it will create tension or instability to protect the body. That means true control isn’t just about stronger muscles—it’s about training the nervous system to trust and own movement.
So what should we really be aiming for?
The winning combination isn’t just strength and stretch—it’s strength, stretch, and the brain’s ability to coordinate them. A dancer who pairs mobility with stability is not only safer, but also unstoppable in performance—powerful, expressive, and durable.
What this means for teachers
Encourage your hypermobile dancers to value stability work as much as stretching.
Remember: stability comes from the brain as much as the body. Drills that target balance, vision, and proprioception help build ownership of movement.
Use resistance, tactile feedback (like bands), and intentional strength training to help them both feel and control their range.
Even a simple shift in perspective—from chasing “more stretch” to training ownership of movement—can transform how your dancers move and feel.
Because in the end, dancers don’t need more passive flexibility. They need to learn how to control and use the range they already possess.