Do you want to boost your leaps but worry you’re too old or lack strength? Here’s my advice, drawn from my own journey, for a dancer facing the same hurdle

Q: “Any tips for improving leaps later in life? I’ve got weak knees and now a weak ankle. Years ago, a physical therapy coach told me to ‘try aerobics or something’ because I wasn’t light on my feet, even though she knew I did ballet. I don’t have dancer genes—just the opposite.”

A: I hear you! When I got back to dance training after years away, my leaps were nonexistent. No strength, no stamina—I could barely manage 16 sautés without gasping, and my feet hardly left the floor. It was rough. 😔

Instead of letting discouragement win (it’s never your ally), I shifted focus from leaps to building strength and endurance at the barre. I worked on my feet, deepening pliés and relevés, speeding up footwork, syncing breath with movement, and strengthening my upper body coordination.

For weak knees and ankles, try ankle exercises with a theraband and build up to 20 relevés on both feet, parallel and turned out. Roll through your feet properly, never forcing turnout—keep knees tracking over your second toe.

I also boosted cardio with tap dancing, which sharpened footwork, hops, and speed while being a blast. For better extensions, I added yoga.

Once my barre work felt solid, I tackled center-floor jumps and was shocked at my progress. My leaps became smoother, higher, and faster. 🎯

Focus on nailing your technique at the barre, facing a mirror to check alignment and control. Add a tap class for endurance and fun, plus yoga for flexibility.

When you master the basics, your leaps—and all your dancing—will soar. Don’t let setbacks dim your spark. Progress, even slow, is real. Building technique right sets you up for a lifetime of joyful dancing and leaping. 👍