In the dance world, there has long been a culture that encourages pushing beyond pain limits, with many professionals performing despite small or even large injuries. The show must go on, after all. After the pandemic, however, dancers are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of taking care of their bodies for the long-term. What steps can dancers take to care for their bodies now, so they can have both the career of their dreams and a life without pain in the future? Three dance physical therapists share seven ways dancers can care for their bodies to help ensure a better future. After that, your body needs time to rebuild the muscle cells that have been challenged, as well as get more oxygen flowing throughout your body to get rid of soreness. Dirk Hartog, a physical therapist at Westside Dance Physical Therapy, thinks dancers can take the concept of rest even one step further.
Your body's your most important tool as a dancer! You can't dance your best when your body's not feelin' good. Here are some tips on nutrition, hydration, and important training tips help keep your body in great dancing condition. If you're experiencing joint and muscle pain, then eat tons of raspberries full of Vitamin C or drink red raspberry tea. Blueberries and green tea are a great way to get your fill of antioxidants, which help with focus and memory. Your meal should be high in complex carbohydrates that will give you energy throughout your class or rehearsal. Drink water and snack on these throughout long practices or workshops. Many of us start our dance sessions with a static stretch, but you actually want to get your body warm before you start stretching.
Your body as a dancer is your most important tool. Here are some tips to take care of your body as a dancer on nutrition, hydration, and important training tips to keep your body in great dancing condition. Water is a must-have during any type of physical activity but dancers need to hydrate much more frequently. Your water bottle is nearly as important a part of your kit as your dance shoes. Not only does water keep you hydrated during your routine. It can clear out toxins from your body, speed up recovery and keep your brain functioning properly to remember the routines.
Why is it important to take care of your body as a dancer? Dancers are relentless. It can make us train to the point where it becomes counterproductive. Implement these simple habits and exercises into your every day — you'll look, feel, and dance with more vitality than ever. An easy estimate of how many calories a dancer needs to consume on daily basis is calories per kilogram of body weight for females and calories per kilogram of body weight for males. Whip out your calculators! During long rehearsals, drink sports drinks that are rich in glucose, to help replace lost energy and fluid. Take care of your body by nourishing it right! Think a water bottle or two during practice is enough to stay hydrated?