Agility is important to all of us, it helps us prevent injury and has great health benefits, but it is especially crucial to dancers and athletes. Ballet dancers, figure skaters, and gymnasts are all part of an elite group where extreme flexibility is needed. Stretching & pushing yourself beyond what is comfortable is painful, especially if there is no consistency. Like an elastic band , if if you gradually and regularly stretch it it gets looser and easier to stretch, however, if you stretch it, then leave it alone and a few days later pull it and expect it to stretch more you risk snapping it altogether. I have one talented figure skater that struggles with this, but it is important to consistently stretch to overcome the discomfort and reach new heights. This simply must become a daily part of our lives to live up to the demands of our professions and avoid injury.