Split

Subject classification: this is a sports resource.

A split is a physical position in which the legs are in line with each other and extended in opposite directions. Splits are performed in various athletic activities, including dance, figure skating, gymnastics, martial arts, synchronized swimming, and yoga.

When executing a split, the lines defined by the inner thighs of the legs form an angle of approximately 180 degrees. This large angle may demonstrate excellent flexibility of the proper muscles. Consequently, splits are often used as a stretching exercise to warm up.

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  A standing split in figure skating.
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  An oversplit in gymnastics.

The physics of dance

A straddle split leap in acrodance

Note how the head remains in nearly the same place for the last 4 frames of the strattle split leap. During this time the center of gravity is rising, but because the arms and legs are continuing to rise. See also Wikipedia:Ballon (ballet) and Wikipedia:Center of mass.

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