How to Make a Calf Stretcher | Pro Tip from Melody Staples Hammell

Our current School of Ballet 5:8 Featured Guest, Melody Staples Hammell, is a former principal dancer with Charleston Ballet Theater. We asked her to share some pro tips that she learned during her extensive career. Let’s learn about an easy DIY calf stretcher.

Melody says:

I feel as if I spent my entire career either dancing or stretching my calves. I even had my dad make me a small wooden calf stretcher for my apartment. But the wooden ones are bulky, and they get in the way wherever they are put...you definitely can’t take them on tour!

Then, I discovered that a bath towel works even better than a board. Fold a bath towel in half lengthwise (make sure to get permission from the person who purchased the towel before you use it—it’s going to get dirty), and then again, then roll it up. Put it on the floor and viola! Instant calf stretcher!