How to Stay Healthy During a Long Season A rigorous season of performances or a grueling touring schedule can trigger burnout no matter how prepared the dancer. “It was a shock to my body,” remembers New York City Ballet soloist Dana Hanson, who was barely 19 when she first joined the company and leapt into […]
This year my career has taken off. I’ve got challenging roles back-to-back, plus great guesting gigs. But instead of feeling happy, I’m becoming cranky and irritable. I think, eat, and dream of ballet. What’s wrong? —Dancer on the Go, New York, NY Welcome to success! I’m sure you wouldn’t trade it for the back […]
What would you do in the middle of the desert if your car broke down and you had no road service? Body workers, like mechanics, work to balance and fine-tune the parts of the body to prevent a breakdown. Like a well-maintained, purring vehicle, your body has muscle groups that work in opposition to each […]
Q The casting sheet went up today and my name isn’t on it! I used to dance ballerina roles before I injured my foot. My director knows that everything’s healed. I’m worried that he’s lost interest in me. Cast Away Chicago, IL A It’s time to talk! Lack of communication can foster needless self-doubt. Sit […]
A rigorous season of performances or a grueling touring schedule can trigger burnout no matter how prepared the dancer. “It was a shock to my body,” remembers New York City Ballet soloist Dana Hanson, who was barely 19 when she first joined the company and leapt into a winter season that stretched 14 weeks. She […]
Bruised toenails, sprained ankles, mental blocks—you name it, dancing is tough. In fact, techniques such as ballet, can take a bigger toll on your mind and body than professional football. Fortunately, it/’s more possible than ever to avoid injuries and reach your potential if you/’re up-to-date on the latest scientific news from around the world. […]
Never mind the “It’s-opening-night-and-I-forgot-to-rehearse” nightmare. What haunts dancers most is the specter of having to leave their art behind. There comes a day when all dancers must relinquish, in some form, the thing they love most, because they can no longer meet the rigors of the professional world or they have to reconcile themselves to […]