How to Improve your Dancing

Hit the Gym

Many dancers avoid weight lifting because they think they’ll get “big and bulky”. This is the farthest from the truth. A weight lifting routine can give a dancer just the boost he or she may be looking for. It not only lends strength to the body and definition to the muscles, but it helps prevent injury as well. A weight lifting routine will also increase stamina for the most demanding dance schedule!

Practice Yoga

An added yoga routine will increase a dancer’s flexibility and strength. Not only does it help with an overall sense of balance, but increases concentration and focus. Yoga is great for breath control as well and it can loosen up a stressed dancer. Try adding in a yoga class one or twice a week and see the benefits start working immediately!

Pilates is the Key

Pilates was actually developed just for dancers. This exercise system teaches proper body alignment and strengthens core muscles greatly. This therapy not only strengthens and aligns the body, but it is also a great rehabilitation therapy for the injured dancer. Pilates includes mat work which can be done conveniently. Pilates also involves apparatuses that are specially designed to strengthen and stretch a dancer's muscles to increase that elongated look and feel, both of which are essential to a developed dancer.

Massage is Necessity

Most working dancers already swear by massage therapy to aid their aching muscles. When the muscles build up too much lactic acid, it can cause all sorts of pains and problems. Many ballet companies have a massage therapist on staff for the dancers - it’s that necessary. Massage therapy is needed to stretch and relax a dancer’s overworked muscles so they can dance at their optimum level without interruption. All dancers need to add massage to their regimens twice a month at the very least!