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Posts Tagged ‘Dance Benefits’

Essential Do’s and Don’ts of Dance Class Etiquette

Your daily dance class is a special time and it’s important to take it seriously.

Understanding the dos and don’ts of dance class etiquette will help you have the best experience and dance education possible from your class.    

Everyone wants to be the teacher’s favorite, even in dance class, so there are a few simple rules of etiquette every dancer should know. Following these dance class etiquette tips will help you create good habits, stand out in auditions, and be more confident in performances.   

The DO’s   

DO make sure you are prepared.   

You always want to represent yourself in the best light, even during class. As dancers, it’s crucial to get in the habit of being prepared for that unpredictable moment when someone may notice you. Wear appropriate form-fitting clothes so your instructor can see your lines, keep your hair neat and back from your face, and remove jewelry. Most dance studios have specific rules for dress, so be sure to adhere to those.    

In addition to dressing appropriately, ensure you have eaten a good meal, drink plenty of water, and have snacks and water on hand.   

DO pay attention.   

Listening is a huge part of dance class etiquette. Staying focused and engaged while your teacher talks is respectful, and you will learn a lot if you keep your ears open. You can also learn from your peers. Listening to their questions and applying corrections will make you a better dancer.    

DO demonstrate spatial awareness.    

Dance classes are often crowded. Be aware of your movement, so you don’t step on or kick the other dancers around you.    

DO practice proper manners.    

Greet your teachers at the start of class, thank them if they offer you a correction, and be sure to apply that correction!    

Refrain from interrupting while they’re instructing by talking with your friends, practicing the choreography to the side, or asking questions. Questions should be asked once the teacher has finished.    

DO support fellow dance students.  

Respect your peers by giving them attention and as much of the studio space as possible when it’s their turn to dance. If the room is small or you’re expected to watch, give them your undivided attention.    

DO remember; dance class is for you!   

Class is a safe space to challenge yourself and grow as a dancer. Challenge yourself and focus on progress, not perfection. They are a great place to make connections, and perfect your dance etiquette.   

The DONT’s    

DON’T check your phone.   

Even if you have a 5-minute water break, sneaking a peek at your text messages or social media notifications is distracting to you and your classmates. Keep your phone on silent and tucked away.    

DON’T stand in front if you aren’t confident in the choreography.  

If you are new to the class or a specific combination, standing in the back is a good idea if you are unsure. Standing in front is a privilege and a responsibility since dancers behind you may be trying to follow along.   

DON’T arrive late or leave early.

Be considerate of your teacher and classmates by showing up on time and staying for the class duration. If you have to leave early or come late, notify your teacher before the start of class. Ensure your exit or entrance is swift and silent, so you’re not distracting.    

DON’T feed into bad habits.  

We all have pet peeves, and the truth is you probably have some bad habits you don’t even realize. This includes looking and acting like you’re bored or don’t want to be there. Standing with your arms crossed and with an apathetic expression gives off the impression you don’t care. Staying attentive and alert will keep your mind energized and shows your teacher you’re engaged in class.    

Dance classes open the door to learning and growing. There are so many positives to learning and taking the classes. If you follow all of the dos and don’ts of dance class etiquette, you will not only become a good student but positively stand out in any class.   

If you think dance classes are suitable for you or your child, keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your time in class. If you’d like to learn to dance and are in the Wilmington, NC, area, please contact our expert staff at Evolution Dance Complex. We’d love to share the joy of dance with you! 

5 More Incredible Reasons to Take an Adult Dance Class

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again (maybe a little louder this time): A person taking an adult dance class reaps so many rewards! However, there is one giant challenge that many of us face when considering exercise—getting started.  

It can be difficult to carve time out of your already busy schedule. Also, stepping outside of your comfort zone isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Sound familiar? We are all so good at avoiding the things that benefit our bodies and minds. Exercise is seen as a four-letter word by some.  

If that’s the case, a shift in perspective could do the trick! What if you view an adult dance class as the opportunity to move your body in a way that makes you feel good? Instead of focusing on how sweaty you get, think about how you feel at the end of class. Instead of thinking about how hard the class is, pay attention to the way you feel when you land a challenging move.  

A perspective shift can help you to try new things and break past barriers that keep you from trying new things, like an adult dance class. Have we convinced you yet? If not, read on for more reasons to get dancing today. 

Even More Reasons to Take an Adult Dance Class 

Improved Posture

Form is a large component of any form of dance, particularly in ballet. Dance has an impact on the core and back muscles that can lead to improved posture.  

Strengthens the Mind & Body

Even if you’re simply dancing for fun, it takes a good amount of strength to move your body in a controlled manner. Dance classes help you develop strength in your body with challenging movements. Plus, you strengthen your mind when you learn something new! 

Boosted Coordination

Taking an adult dance class helps enhance your posture, balance, and strength. Each and every one of those components can help increase your coordination. 

Raises Endurance

As many of you know, performing movements that were tough at one point become manageable when repeated often enough. Adult dance helps increase your endurance and energy to help you stay nimble while playing another sport or help you keep up with your family’s busy schedule. 

Make New Friends (or Bring One) 

Dance classes are a fun way to socialize and move your body. You’re instantly surrounded by a group of people with whom you have a common interest. On the flip side, you can bring along a friend to class to ramp up the fun and accountability.  

Take an Adult Dance Class in Wilmington, NC 

Perhaps it’s time to shake up your routine or maybe you need a way to move your body during the week. An adult dance class is a perfect way to strengthen your body and mind while giving your coordination and endurance a boost. 

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for an adult dance class in Wilmington, NC. Register for one of our classes or contact us today to learn more! 

Need even more reasons to take adult dance classes? Check out our other blog post. 

4 Ways That Dancing Helps Your Mental Health

When you move, you feel good, and it feels good to dance!

Of course, we know the physical benefits of dance, but there is more to it than that. Dancing has obvious positive effects on our physical well-being, but how about our mental health?

Dancing and movement are excellent for your body, mind, and soul, and there’s science to prove it! Keep reading for four ways that dancing helps your mental health.

Dancing can improve your self-esteem.

According to Very Well Mind, self-esteem is used to describe a person’s overall subjective sense of worth or value. In other words, self-esteem may be defined as how much you appreciate and like yourself. Self-esteem can be determined by factors including:

  • Feeling of security
  • Self-confidence
  • Identity
  • Sense of belonging

Learning a new skill, like dance, is hard work that can deliver some big-time mental rewards. Taking dance classes and rising to the challenge will encourage self-confidence and increase self-esteem. A strong presence on the dance floor can translate into other aspects of a dancer’s life and will start a cycle of positivity and confidence.

When you prove that you can learn new choreography and develop new skills through dance, you’ll find that your self-esteem will grow.

Dancing can expand your social circle.

Socialization is crucial for good mental health, and dance is great for expanding your social circle. Dance classes are typically conducted in groups, which pushes you to interact with people who share your same love of dance. Many of these people will become your closest friends.

A dance class is the perfect setting to make new friends and branch out socially. Maintaining positive social relationships is just as crucial to your health as physical activity or healthy eating. Studies show that being socially engaged leads to increased happiness, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system.

[Need to grow your child’s social circle this summer? Check out our 2022 dance camps!]

Dancing can have positive effects on your mood. 

Research shows that music and movement help enhance a person’s mood. It is why when you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, you just want to listen to some music and move. Dancing instantly uplifts your mood and can help improve your attitude and outlook on life.

An in-depth analysis of several different studies on the effects of dancing concludes that dancing has a positive impact on the treatment of depression.

Dancing can lower stress and anxiety.

Like any other form of cardio exercise, dancing has significant mood-enhancing benefits. Dancing causes your body to release powerful chemicals and hormones that can help your brain develop better sleep patterns and reduce stress.

In addition, scientists have been conducting research on dances’ ability to reduce anxiety for many years because of dances’ ability to “loosen up” participants, allowing them to dance in front of an audience of strangers. For decades, therapists have prescribed dance to patients suffering from social anxiety and a fear of public speaking. The idea behind this recommendation is that dance allows people to feel less self-conscious when interacting with people or when “speaking in front of an audience.”

Staying mentally and physically healthy is very important at Evolution Dance Complex. We consistently work with you or your child through our conditioning courses and rigorous dance technique classes to encourage fitness and fun!

Are you or your child ready to give dance a try in the new year? Contact the dance experts at Evolution Dance Complex today!

5 Tips for Taking Care of Yourself Over the Summer Break

Summer break is quickly approaching!

Those blissful, lazy days of summer where you can sleep in, stay in your pajamas all day, and not stress about studying or hustling from school to dance class!

Having breaks gives our bodies the time for a necessary reset and recharge. While it may feel like it is a great time to beach it all day and binge on Netflix at night, it’s vital that you also treat these moments as an opportunity to work on your goals and care for your body and mind so you are ready for the fall.

Keep reading five ways you can take care of yourself over the summer break and prepare for the upcoming dance season.

Eat well.

A balanced diet often goes out the window during summer break. We sleep in late and miss breakfast, grab a sugary muffin from the pantry, or munch on a bag of chips instead of opting for healthier options. Those burgers from the grill are hard to resist while the ice cream calls your name. Our regimented routine is long gone, leaving more time for inconsistency, lounging, and snacking.

It’s okay to include some sweet and savory treats in your diet, but it’s essential to stay balanced. Ensure you include a variety of whole foods in your diet. Having some spare time over the summer allows for cooking experimentation and healthy recipe creations. The summer is an ideal opportunity to refine meals and create the perfect ‘grab and go’ recipe for those days when you are short on time during the hectic school season.

[Need some healthy, quick snack ideas for competition season? Click here!]

Stay active.

Research some local places where you can participate in some healthy exercise classes. Pilates and yoga are great for dancers because they help with flexibility, core work, and mindset.

The highly qualified teachers at Evolution Healing Arts have some great options to keep your mind and body in shape this holiday season. They use the fundamentals of Yoga and Ayurveda to connect their students to their crafts; arts, fitness, education, and mindfulness practices are all offered and customized to meet each student’s needs.

Be sure to give something new a try this summer. When it comes to our weekly regimens, we don’t have time for trying new things, especially when it’s on top of our already packed dance schedule. So, plan to experiment some this summer, explore different options, bring along some friends, and have fun with it.

Seek out some workshops or camps.

You may be able to find some workshops, camps, or private lessons this summer season to help keep your dance technique fresh.

Dance workshops, intensives, clinics, and camps are great opportunities to try new styles and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Get organized.

Decluttering your space is one of those things that needs to be done but often gets put off when we are busy.

Who doesn’t love a clean, organized space? With that extra time that summer break provides, use that free time to sort out your wardrobe, bedroom, dance bag, and more. Keep those things you actually use and speak to you, and get rid of those items that no longer benefit you.

Once you’ve organized the items you want to keep, you can donate what no longer serves you. This allows you to see what you have in your space and where you may need something new. You’re also receiving the health benefits of an enhanced mental state, improved sleep habits, and reduced allergens by decluttering.

Practice some self-care.

You have worked hard all year, be sure to take some time for yourself outside of dance. Things will feel more manageable if you tend to your needs first.

Pamper yourself a little; you earned it. Some things you can do to pamper yourself include:

  • Get a massage.
  • Turn your bedroom into a retreat and binge-watch your favorite shows.
  • Get some essentials for a spa night with you and your favorite dance besties.
  • Crank up the music and dance to music that makes you feel good. Be sure you are doing it because it makes you happy.

With the above suggestions, you’ll be feeling fresh as a daisy when you return to your routine after the summer break. Equipped with the skills to support your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way.

Be sure to enjoy your friends and family this summer, and contact us if you need some assistance with keeping up your technique during the break. With our clinics, camps, and intensives, we can ensure you stay in shape and are dance-ready all summer long.

6 Benefits of Summer Dance Camps

Unleash your child’s creativity while taking their skills to a new level this summer with dance classes and camps!

Evolution Dance Complex has the perfect cure for summertime blues and boredom with our extensive line-up of intensives and camps. With so many choices for camps and other activities available over the summer, we’ve listed six benefits of summer dance camps and why our dance camps should be at the top of your list!

Improve learning abilities.

It’s crucial that learning skills stay sharp during the summer. Evolution’s summer dance camps will help your child develop the ability to focus and understand the concept of discipline.

Summer dance camps and intensives are great resources for triggering young minds through observational and physical learning. In class, dancers memorize spacing, music, steps, and formations. They will carry these abilities into all areas of life, including home and school.

Kids can discover their passion.

Summer dance camps are an excellent way for students to find their passion. Many of our dance camps offer specific dance genres or themes and can even fuse several styles giving them opportunities to find something they genuinely care about.

These camps include a variety of dance styles, different types of music, themes, and crafts. Our camps offer something for every child!

A chance to have fun and be creative.

EDC’s summer dance camps provide various fun activities for children while they learn new moves, play fun games, and cultivate creativity.

Increase social skills and make new friends.

One of the best things about summer camps is meeting new people. Our dance camps encourage new friendships and introduce your dancer to new positive role models.

Dance classes and camps build a team-like atmosphere, and dancers will work together in camps while improving skills. They will work to overcome shyness and stage fright and all the tools to become a true performer.

[Check out our summer camp flyer here!]

More physical activity.

Dance is an aerobic activity ideal for all children. Your dancer will improve flexibility, range of motion, balance, strength, stamina, and coordination at camp. They will learn how important it is to develop healthy habits and healthy hearts!

Improved self-confidence.

Dance is an outlet for self-expression. When children learn to express their feelings, it increases their self-esteem.

As they conquer new skills, they will become aware of how their bodies move and gain a sense of accomplishment. All the new things they will be doing and learning add up to a lot of growth, giving them the confidence they will need to handle any challenges that come their way.

If this sounds like the perfect solution for your child this summer, register today for one of our dance camps! We are offering camps for children ages three and older. Themes range from princess to perfecting your audition skills. Call the studio to register, or you can register online on our website!

5 Benefits of Dance Competitions

For many dancers, competitions are an extra perk alongside their training.

Dance competitions provide a boost that can help take children from talented dancers to certified artists. However, it’s not just the dance themselves or being on the stage that makes the difference.

Dance competitions can provide dancers with high-level skill work, clinics, industry seminars, and networking opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about the five benefits of dance competitions.

Develops skills.

All those long hours spent in the studio perfecting technique and preparing for competitions help sharpen a completely different skill – performance.

The ultimate objective is to take all those steps you’ve rehearsed and the muscle memory you created and tell a captivating story through your body and the choreography. The purpose is to connect with an audience. While judges may seem intimidating, they offer the perfect suggestions to help dancers develop those skills and improve poise and showmanship.

Teaches the ability to apply constructive criticism.

One of the most valuable aspects of dance competitions is hearing what trained and experienced judges think of your performance.

While they are “judging” you, it can be an excellent thing if you approach it with the proper perspective. The ability to take their feedback as inspiration and as fuel to improve and work harder will serve you well as you dance and well into your professional future no matter what route it may be.

They help expand your circle.

You are at a dance competition to compete against other dancers. Still, any major dance event will provide a great chance to form valuable connections and friendships that can last a lifetime.

They’re also a fantastic chance for positive exposure. Dancers are more likely to meet professionals who could serve as mentors or provide advice to put them on the path to achieving their dance goals!

[Want to know what it’s like to be a competitive dancer? Click here!]

Takes your skill to a new level.

The atmosphere at dance competitions differs greatly from what a dancer will experience in the studio.

While that brings a special set of challenges, the uniqueness and level of emotion at a competition will inspire dancers to excel. Preparing for competition and being on a big stage in front of many viewers is excellent motivation.

Helps build resilience.

Dance competitions are about much more than wins and losses. It’s about learning beneficial lessons that you can use to improve as a dancer and as a person.

Competition teaches character and to come back when things don’t go your way. If you have the courage to compete and leave it all on the stage, you will be successful wherever you go in life.

At Evolution Dance Complex, we love everything about competitive dance and the positive effects on our dancers. We strive to provide our dancers with the tools they need to feel confident on stage and connect with their audiences.

Explore the genres, classes, and company teams we offer to take your or your child’s performance to the next level!

5 Reasons Why Boys Should Dance

As progressive as our society has become, dance is still often thought of as an activity for girls.

The combination of strength training, skill, and coordination make dance one of the best ways to stay active no matter what gender. Dance is inclusive and one of the best ways to stay active while having fun. These are just a few reasons why boys should get involved with dance. Keep reading for five reasons why boys should dance!

Builds self-esteem and confidence.

Dancers often put themselves in challenging circumstances, such as being on stage to be scrutinized by others or by trying a new, difficult dance class. If you work hard on a dance floor to learn new things and achieve goals, you’ll feel like you can accomplish anything.

Depending on your child’s level of dance engagement, it will eventually involve competition, which can push dancers past their limits while also gaining poise and confidence. Being put in the public eye can help overcome the fear of public performances while encouraging a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Dance encourages self-expression.

Dancing is an art that encourages one to express emotion and passion openly to enhance the presentation. This is especially excellent for boys since our society often promotes the masculinity of repressing emotions, which can be unhealthy for their emotional growth.

Being able to transmit artistic expression poignantly is vital to dancers. Having discipline, advanced technique, and dedication allows a dancer to use dance as a language to communicate. This will enable audiences to embrace the inner beauty of dance itself and take the dancer’s skills to another level.

Teaches teamwork.

Working together in a group or with a partner helps build communication and respect in achieving a goal. This can help prepare dancers for future ambitions and growth when working with others in a team setting.

[Want to know some more benefits of dance? Click here!]

Develops strength and coordination.

Dancing works muscles while building stamina. It also helps to develop coordination and intensifies attention to detail. It can be challenging as each move involves controlling the body and supporting and lifting dance partners. Dance also helps increase strength and fitness levels which can benefit other sports and activities, making you a better all-around athlete.

The work it takes to dance constantly aids in developing muscle groups and teaches dancers to use their muscle groups in graceful and coordinated ways. Frequently using the four limbs in different dance positions significantly improves coordination.

Improves posture.

The movement involved in various types of dances helps build up the core muscles needed to keep your posture upright and strong. Having good posture improves overall spine conditions and proper body alignment while reducing your chance of straining muscles.

When searching for a dance class for boys, there are several things that need to be taken into consideration. Start by:

  • Creating a list of local dance studios and taking the time to research them. Find out what kind of dance styles they offer and what type of experience each instructor has.
  • Take the time to watch some classes. Observing classes can be valuable as you can see firsthand the dance styles and the method by which children are instructed.
  • Most dance schools offer a free trial or a drop-in fee for single classes. Take advantage of these opportunities.

Evolution Dance Complex is one of the leading dance studios for boys and girls in Wilmington, NC, and beyond. Our dance programs include acro, contemporary, lyrical, pointe, hip hop, jazz, musical theatre, and ballet classes that inspire creativity, coordination, and self-confidence. Contact us today for more information.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Dance Technique During the Holiday Break

The holidays are quickly approaching, and we are all in need of some downtime this season!

While it is essential that you use this time to relax and regroup, it’s also crucial to keep those skills that you’ve worked so hard to achieve throughout the year.

This blog post will give you some tips on staying active while still improving during the holidays. Keep reading for five tips for keeping your dance technique during the holiday break.

Create a plan with realistic goals. 

Your goal may be to maintain your dance technique and skill, or it may be to improve a trick you have been working so hard to get.

Whatever it may be, come up with an action plan to achieve these goals. This may be as simple as stretching three times a week to help improve flexibility or committing to short but daily dance workouts. Just make sure whatever you’re doing gets you closer to achieving your goal.

[Need some gift ideas for the dancer in your life? Click here!]

Check out YouTube.

You will probably be told to go easy on social media this holiday season. However, YouTube is a great place to find out some essential dance tips and tricks.

Start by searching for a dance video that teaches you a new style, technique, or combination. There are even some great workout videos for dancers.

Stay active. 

Research some local places where you can participate in some healthy exercise classes. Pilates and yoga are great for dancers because they help with flexibility, core work, and mindset – all critical for solid dance techniques!

The highly qualified teachers at Evolution Healing Arts have some great options to keep your mind and body in shape this holiday season. They use the fundamentals of Yoga and Ayurveda to connect their students to their crafts; arts, fitness, education, and mindfulness practices are all offered and customized to meet each student’s needs.

Seek out some workshops or camps.

You may be able to find some workshops, camps, or private lessons this season to help keep your dance technique fresh.

These dance workshops or camps are great opportunities to try new styles and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Don’t forget to rest and relax!

You have worked hard all year, be sure to take some time for yourself outside of dance. Things will feel more manageable if you tend to your needs first.

Pamper yourself a little; you earned it. Some things you can do to pamper yourself include:

  • Get a massage.
  • Turn your bedroom into a retreat and binge-watch your favorite shows.
  • Get some essentials for a spa night with you and your favorite dance besties.
  • Crank up the music and dance to music that makes you feel good. Be sure you are doing it because it makes you happy.

Your mind and your body will thank you!

Remember, holiday breaks are also designed to give your body a rest, so you should include a few days of downtime to let your body relax and heal while you have the time. While it’s important to keep up your dance technique, it’s also important to find a healthy balance.

Be sure to enjoy your friends and family this Christmas, and contact us if you need some assistance in keeping up your technique during the holiday season. Happy holidays from Evolution Dance Complex.

 

6 Critical Skills Gained from Dance

Dance teaches you more than how to plié, pirouette, or do a front walkover.

In addition to improving flexibility, building strength, and increasing balance, it can improve things outside of the studio as well.

The qualities you take on as a dancer don’t just help you on the stage. From self-confidence to spatial awareness, here are six critical skills you gain from dance that may help you succeed at everything you do.

Increased strength and health.

Dancing is exercise, so, naturally, it will assist in strengthening your bones and muscles. As your strength increases, you will have more energy to continue dancing.

Your increased level of physical activity and exercise can help prevent illnesses.

Boosts memory.

When you exercise, the levels of chemicals in your brain that encourage nerve cells to grow are increased. Since dancing requires you to remember various steps and sequences, your brainpower is boosted, which helps to improve your memory.

[Need some tips for improving your choreography memory? Click here!]

Improve flexibility.

Stretching before and after dance is essential to getting the most out of your movements and avoiding injury. As you continue dancing, you will stretch more consistently and will notice how each stretch will become easier.

As the stretches become more manageable, you will be able to go farther into each stretch, creating longer lines as you permanently lengthen your muscles and become more and more flexible. With this increased flexibility, you will notice you have a broader range of motion, and your dancing will become much easier.

Better balance.

To execute each move and sequence correctly, you will need to maintain a strong center of gravity.

As you learn each movement and begin to gain increased flexibility and strength, your posture, balance, and spatial awareness will naturally start to improve, making each step more accessible for you to complete.

Increases social skills & confidence.

Everybody enjoys meeting new people and dancing provides a fun environment to meet people who have the same interest as you- they want to dance! This type of environment is perfect to either utilize your social skills if you are outgoing or to help strengthen your social skills if you have a quiet personality.

Dancing is a great way to meet new friends and improves your social outlook while in an atmosphere where you can feel safe and comfortable.

Enhanced spatial awareness.

The more you dance, you will discover that you become more aware of your center of gravity. Your posture will improve, and you’ll become more physically confident and more graceful.

All of this combines to help you improve your spatial awareness, so it’s less likely that you’ll run into other people, trip over small bumps, or even bump into corners.

If you think dance classes are suitable for you or your child, keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your time in class.

If you’d like to learn to dance and you’re in the Wilmington, NC area, please get in touch with our expert staff at Evolution Dance Complex. We’d love to share the joy of dance with you!

A Dancer’s Ultimate Snack List Guide

Dancers are artistic athletes who use their bodies to tell a story and express their art through movement.

So, it’s crucial that they keep this essential tool in top shape by eating the right foods. Dance uses up a lot of energy and burns many calories, making what your dancers eat imperative in helping them master their art.

Certain foods give dancers’ bodies the nutrients they need at specific times. These foods help them perform at the highest levels and will help them recover from an intense class or a long day at a competition. Dancers must have the nutrition they need to perform their best, both in class and on stage. Want to make sure your dancer is snacking smart? Keep reading for the dancer’s ultimate snack list.

Hydration is key.

Hydration is just as important as healthy food choices! Dancers need to stay hydrated to help them push through classes or tough competitions and keep their muscles lubricated and bodies flexible. Dancers need to drink plenty of water before, during, and after dancing.

EDC dancer Lexi Deffinbaugh explains more, “The foods I eat are super important for a competition weekend and really for my entire dance week. I start drinking extra water two days before a competition to make sure I am really hydrated. That is a big thing for me. As for snacks and food, I eat a lot of nuts, yogurt, eggs, and fruit. Fruit is my favorite! Most of the time, I eat fruit for dessert instead of sweets. Sometimes sugar hurts my stomach, so I don’t eat a lot of it. My food makes a big difference to me. I can feel it easily if I don’t eat right, and it doesn’t feel good. So, I try hard to eat healthy foods.”

Plenty of water paired with healthy snacks will set dancers up for success!

Timing is everything.

Dancers often know what foods are healthy and best for fueling their busy day, but many struggle with timing, especially with snacks. When a dancer eats can be just as important as what they eat. Going for long periods without fueling properly can affect performance and energy levels and increase a dancer’s susceptibility to injury.

Dancers should keep a few snacks in their dance bag. Being prepared for mid-day classes or a long day of rehearsal is a great way to make sure they are dancing their best and simultaneously taking care of their bodies.

[Want to know what’s in some of the top-performing dancers’ bags? Click here!]

Before class snacks. 

Dancers should never work on an empty stomach, so if snack time falls within 30-60 minutes before dancing, then consider an easily digestible carbohydrate to maintain your physical stamina. These snacks should be lower in fiber. Pretzels and fresh fruit are examples of smaller, easily digestible carbs that won’t leave your dancer feeling sluggish. Some other examples include:

  • Dried or fresh fruit.
  • Applesauce or a fruit smoothie pack.
  • Homemade protein-packed “energy balls.”
  • Apple and peanut butter.
  • A fruit-based snack bar.

During class snacks. 

If your dancer needs a snack in the middle of a long practice, rehearsal, or competition day. Here is a list of low-calorie snacks that are great for your dancers to keep in their dance bag:

  • Mini pretzels.
  • Seedless grapes.
  • Low-fat yogurt.
  • Graham crackers.
  • String cheese.
  • A small amount of microwave popcorn.
  • Red pepper slices with some hummus.
  • Carrots with ranch for dipping.
  • Almonds or peanuts.

If there is little time between school and dance class, for example, getting an energy boost from snacks such as low-fat yogurt, peanut butter, granola bars, fresh fruit, or cheese are simple options. Something is better than nothing!

After class snacks. 

Snacks after class should be rich in protein. Once dancers leave the studio, they need to start to rebuild and replenish muscle. To aid in the recovery process, implement a quality strategy of protein to carbohydrate ratio. The protein will help rebuild the muscle tissue that was damaged while dancing and the carbs replace the energy used during class.

The after-class snack should be timed anywhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour after class ends. Muscle recovery is significant for dancers who are taking classes multiple days during the week. Here are some snack ideas for dancers to have after class:

  • Peanut butter on a rice cake.
  • A fruit and protein smoothie.
  • Cottage cheese with some whole-grain cereal.
  • A peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
  • An apple and a few sticks of string cheese.

[Need more tips on keeping your dancers’ body in shape? Click here!]

Just like warming up or taking lessons, proper nutrition is key to mastering your craft. Educating our dancers on how nutrition can improve their skills and longevity will set everyone up for success!

Keeping our dancers mentally and physically healthy is extremely important to us at EDC. For more dance tips and essential class information, be sure to follow our informative blog and on social media.

Photo Feature: Lexi Deffinbaugh (Dancer/Model)

With a proper balance of eating well, hydrating often, and conditioning daily, our EDC dance athletes are able to perform above and beyond!

01 Apr

5 Reasons Why Every Dancer Needs Ballet

01 Mar

Five Ways to Improve Your Group Work in Dance

01 Feb

4 Ways to Incorporate Visualization into Your Dance Practice