Injuries; push through the pain or pull out

Now a days, dancers are pushing their bodies past it's limits- often times resulting in injuries. The dilemma for many is whether or not to dance through the pain or to sit out a performance. There are many things to consider when deciding whether or not you should dance, *But please note you are the only one that can really tell if you are able to dance or not*

Determine how serious the injury is..did you simply over stretch a muscle or did you seriously hurt something? It is always best to go to a doctor if you experience prolonged pain of a muscle or body part.

If you simply feel that you only minimally pulled something, or something is just a little sore, it's likely you'll be able to dance through it. It really becomes a matter of how much pain you can tolerate.. However, it is always best to get a second opinion from a doctor.

Use you gut instinct; and if you feel like you have really injured something, go to a doctor as soon as possible..it is much better to be safe than sorry.
Although it may be hard to do, follow a doctor's/teacher's recommendations. If they tell you not to dance...Don't!!
It is much better to sit out a performance or competition than risk surgery or permanent injury. It may be hard to accept now, but resting will help it heal faster!

Please remember I am not a doctor and it is important to consult a professional for advice.

Turning Tips Help

As the dance world continues to expect more and more turns out of dancers, it's important to remember the essential components to a good turn.
1) make sure to start out in a deep plié preparation, this will help you with your momentum
2) as you begin your turn, pull up and straighten your supporting leg and push into the ground to create opposition
3) make sure your arms are not what propel you around..SPOT!!
4) engage your abdominals to help you better balance in multiple turns
5) connect your foot to passé

For fouetté turns,
1)keep your leg at 90 degrees the whole time..no dipping!
2) open your arms as you open your leg to the front
3) do not scoop your leg to help you get around- the only positions your leg should hit are front, side, and passé
4) as always..HIGH RELEVÉ
5) don't plié while your leg is in passé

Hope this helps you turn like a top!! As always, practice makes perfect!

What this is...

I will do my very best to give helpful advice and answers to any dance related questions. Email your questions to askonlydancers@gmail.com