Holidays are coming...

It's ok, holidays are coming...

Ok so term 2 is nearly over and I bet all you dancers are getting pretty sore, tired and ready for a break. Your bodies might be under a bit of pressure from intensive dancing in preparation for upcoming exams and eisteddfods, so you need to make sure you looking after body in every possible way.

As your feet are doing a lot of work, when you come home from dancing of a night massage your feet and give them a good rest. Here is a link for tips and trick about foot care. http://showtimedancewear.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/dancers-feet.html

Now all those back bend and walk over can make your back cramp a little, So to release some tension in your back do a few of these stretches found in the following link. http://showtimedancewear.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/sore-back-after-class-you-need-to-make.html

Fueling your body is very important so in this link you will find how to make a Super Smoothie, which is great for a ‘pick me up’ when you’re on the go. http://showtimedancewear.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/super-smoothies.html

Last of all make sure you are getting a good night sleep! Studies show that a good night's sleep improves learning, helps you pay attention, make decisions, be creative and that when your body does most of its recovery and repair. 

Sore Back Relief

Sore back?

After class you need to make sure you stretch out your back especially from all the back bends and walkovers you do. Below you will find a few stretches that you can do at the end of your lesson. 

Hug Your Knees - Lie on your back. Grab your knees, pull them toward your chest and breathe. Slowly push your lower back into the floor. Repeat this a several times.

Side Knee Drop - Lie on your back. Grab your knees, pull them toward your chest and breathe, Hold onto your knees with one hand/arm and extend the other arm onto the floor. Gently drop your knees to the opposite side. Breathe and switch sides. Repeat several times.

Traditional Toe Touch - Keeping your knees straight roll down and touch your toes. If touching your toes is now too easy wrap your arms around your legs and bring your chest to your knees. Then release and roll back up through your spin. Repeat several times.

A little trick to relax your body, lay on your back, bend your knees and feet flat on the ground. Make sure feet are apart so you can rest your knees against each other. Wrap your arms around your neck until your hands are resting on the ground. Lay in this position for as long as you want maybe even put on some relaxing music as you do this. 

Stretch! (Tips for parents)

Stretching for improvement!

Practicing and stretching at home is so important for a budding young dancer! Once a week in class does the basics; your child learns the basics and correct techniques, but to maintain and gain these abilities they must practice at home. Since the classes for a lot of young dancers only happen once or twice a week, it’s a good idea to encourage your child to go through the steps for memory’s sake as well as stretching to help keep their flexibility from week to week as this builds muscle memory. Take it from someone who has been able to achieve the splits one week, only to be disappointed the next week when I’ve not been able to do it again. Consistent and continual striving for flexibility will gain the best results. Dance is a sport, and just like any other, they get to be the best by training constantly.  There are many ways to help your child, firstly by just reminding your child to practice. At this stage, even just going over the exercises without music will help their mind and muscle memory. Secondly, YouTube! YouTube tutorials are a great way to find new stretches and exercises. The third tip is to physically help you child stretch. Maybe you could even stretch WITH your child to help encourage them; get them to teach you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5Ic4dOwrWA is a great starting point!

Dancers Feet.

Sore Feet??...

Soak your feet in Epsom salt for 10-15 minutes when you come home from dancing, the sooner after dancing, the better. Don't put them in hot water that will increase the risk of swelling, instead use room temperature water or ice cold water. After soaking your feet, get mum or dad to give for feet a little massage to help relax your muscles. Then get a good night sleep!!!