Welcome to Gaia! ::

I don't know if this has been brought up before, but what are some stretches you like? (I'm quite partial to the butterfly, myself whee )

And, also, what are some good ways to stay in shape for dancing?

Go into a Grand(e) plie and push your legs (at the kneew) out with your arms and or elbow and alternate between left, right, and both...it really streches the inner thigh.

this is somewhat a jazz/half split. bend one leg in ( the front leg) and push the other leg out straigt to the back and lean forward then turn to the side which is also known as the corner.

Another is a vertical spit... you push your leg up against the wall while having the other on the floor where you keep your balance and try and ger into a split against the wall.

Trying to reach a scorpion(sp?) is also a good way to strech...just don't pull too much because you dont want to injur yourself. Then you can also strech into a split from there if you want to attempt it.

click that to see scorpion ------->
VIEW SCORPION

Cross your legs but really bring your feet in close, and lean over your legs stretching your arms forward as far as you can along the ground. It really stretches your butt. I love that one...

Body roll. It's one only known by my dance teacher.
It works very good though. After you do it like, three times everyday, you're more flexible than ever.
After the first time I did it, I could do the splits. Body roll is not good for beginners though, you could get injured.

well looks like all of u are ballet dancers biggrin as a bboy , i dont use poles....mostly i do 2 types of stretches for legs and back:

1st-stand up and than try to reach ur knees with ur head while trying to keep legs stright.

2nd-do split and then try to grab ur feets with hands and touch knees with head....hold that position for about 10secs , than switch and do same thing at other side...