How the Dancer's Body is Like Silly Putty

You can compare the dancer's body to silly putty. When the putty is cold, it breaks easily, so can the dancer's body when it is not warmed up properly. Additionally, lack of nutrition and proper hydration can cause injuries. Common dancing injuries include hip, foot, ankle, and knee injuries. Alternatively, when the dancer's body receives proper treatment, there is a much-reduced chance of injury.  

Warm-up

Most professional dancers arrive at practice or dance competition at least an hour early so that they can properly warm-up before starting to dance. You should concentrate on moving until a slight sweat appears on your skin. Then, move on to stretching movements that lengthen the whole body, like leg swings or yoga movements. Finally, you should do actions to build core strength and improve flexibility.  

Nutrition

Dancing requires a lot of energy, and you may be burning many calories. It is essential to maintain healthy body weight when dancing. Start by eating half of your daily calories in carbohydrates because they will fuel your body through rigorous dance classes and performances. Try to incorporate at least five servings of fruit or vegetables into your diet daily. Eating lean protein helps the body recover from small injuries quickly. Try to plan your schedule so that you are eating three meals a day, but try to avoid eating an hour or more before a dance class. Try to eat a little protein along with adequately hydrating your body after you have been dancing.  

Hydration

Fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle spasms, light-headedness, and flushed skin are just a few signs that you are not staying adequately hydrated. Staying hydrated is vital for your body's muscles to function correctly, for joints to move right, and to maintain your body's temperature. Dancers lose a lot of water during dances and performances, so keep your water bottle filled and handy. Incorporate lots of healthy fruits and vegetables with high water content into your diet. You may also want to drink a sports drink after dancing to make sure that you keep your electrolytes in balance. Just like dancers need a proper diet, they need to develop an excellent hydration plan and concentrate on sticking to it every day.  

If you or your child wants to stay healthy and progress with their dancing, then a proper warm-up, good diet, and great hydration are mandatory. Of course, you will also need to be working with great instructors who have your best interest in mind always. Contact Turning Pointe – A Dance Studio about their dance studio in Altamonte Springs, Florida. While you will learn proper techniques, at this dance studio in Altamonte Springs, you will also learn how to warm-up properly, eat a dancer's diet, and stay hydrated. That way, your skills will improve much faster.  Call them today to get started.