A place for thoughts on dance, creativity and self expression.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Back 2 School

Classes resume next week, starting on Monday the 14th April.

This got me thinking about what I do when I'm not regularly attending class. How often do you take the time to stretch while on holiday? Well its time to get serious about class again, so while you're still on holiday take some time to think about what you want to achieve in the next term. I like Treva Bedinghaus's New Year's Resolutions for Dancers:
  • Limber up: The thing about stretching is that it really makes dancing easier! The more flexible you are the less energy you need to expend in fighting to achieve the position or line you want. Try stretching a little every night after your bath and watch what a difference it can make.
  • Get Stronger: This can be a hard one if you're not disciplined, or feel you don't have the time for more exercises. As a dancer your core muscles are very important. Try doing some stomach crunches or pilates pulls while you watch tv. We also tend to forget about strengthening our back mucles - try spending a few minutes each day working on those muscles. If you don't know what exercises to do, ask your teacher for advice on what you should focus on.
  • Challenge Yourself: We always need to push ourselves to progress. The classroom is the place to try out new things and push yourself beyond what you can already do. It is more important to fall over trying to do a triple pirouette than to perfect your double. Remember is OK to land on your bum in class - we're all there to learn :)
  • Try a New Style: Have some fun and try out new things. If you think you're a hot shot ballerina, try out a jazz class and see how much more your body can learn and how to push your body in different ways.

And most importantly, don't forget to have fun!

No comments: