Jazz dance class question? ?

-This year, my best friend got me to start dance. She has been dancing for ten years and since she really knows dance I trusted her to pick what I would be good at. I started with hip hop this year just because it is the easiest class (at least at my studio) to jump into with no experience. My friend recommended jazz. After watching her jazz dance and her showing me some steps, I'm really interested. Now here is the problem. I am completely lacking in flexibility. I'm not in an INCREDIBLE rush, since dance starts in september, but I am looking to at least improve my flexiblity, mostly back and legs. I want to get my split, or mostly there. I'm not too far off the ground in my middle split but my two regular splits are just terrible. How can I stretch to improve these? I know I can work at it every day, I just need to know how. Thank you!!!



BONUS- in my jete, my back leg goes pretty straight even though I can't do a full jete (both legs straight) however, on my way down, it bends. How can I fix this? THANK YOU!!!Wall stretches! Just get up against a wall and stretch. Its definitely one of the easiest ways to gain some flexibility. For front splits you just need to practice practice practice! You'll get there! =) When practicing on the ground, its okay if your pretty high off the ground just make sure both front and back legs are totally straight, that way when you get more flexible you'll have perfect technique. Do stretches every day they really do help a ton. I hope this helped!