Essential Strategies for the Winter Dance Season
Ignite Dance WA
As the temperatures drop and the air becomes crisp, dancers face a unique set of challenges in the colder months. At Ignite Dance WA, we understand the importance of thriving in the winter dance season and want to equip you with essential strategies to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.
Prioritise the Warm-up
Simply layering up on clothes won’t help your body to move! Before entering the studio, it is crucial to warm up your body from within. Engage in dynamic warm-up exercises that elevate your heart rate and enhance blood circulation. A few rounds of studio jogging, star jumps, or burpees are highly recommended. This not only provides warmth but also primes your muscles for the demands of dance, reducing the risk of injury.
Image: Ignite Dance WA students, warming up before the Festival of Dance 2023
Joint Mobilisation
Cooler weather can sometimes induce stiffness in our joints. To counteract this, take a few moments to mobilise your joints before class. Use your hands to actively move and massage your limbs, focusing on circular motions. This practice stimulates blood flow, warms up the joints, and enhances flexibility.
Hydration
Maintaining proper fluid intake during winter months is paramount! Adequate hydration is vital for sustaining focus during dance classes and promoting optimal post-exercise recovery. Be diligent in sipping water regularly before, during, and after your dance sessions. By prioritising hydration, your body will reward you with improved performance and sustained energy levels.
Image: Ignite Dance WA student wearing a cross-over for class
Dress Appropriately
Selecting suitable dance attire for cooler weather is crucial to ensure comfort and unhindered movement. Opt for layered and tight clothing that allows for easy removal as your body gradually warms up during class. Additionally, you can wear a cozy jumper to maintain warmth before and after class, safeguarding your muscles and preventing any chill.
Keep dancing, stay warm, and continue to ignite your passion for dance, even on cold Saturday mornings!
Image: Ignite Dance WA students in various layers to keep warm one Saturday morning!
Sources
(Accessed 07/06/2023)
The influence of winter vitamin D supplementation on muscle function and injury occurrence in elite ballet dancers: A controlled study https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244013000558
The dancer’s guide to Winter https://dancemagazine.com.au/2017/06/fit-prince-australian-ballets-boys-day/
How to Stay Warm as a Dancer: Winter is Coming! https://tututix.com/how-to-stay-warm-dancer-winter/