We all know that personal trainers can help dancers condition their bodies more effectively. But trainers who are also dancers themselves? Now that’s a uniquely valuable perspective. Take Kathyrn Boren, an American Ballet Theatre corps member who got certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine last summer, following in the footsteps of her colleagues […]

Growing up with a father who’s a swim coach at Ohio Wesleyan University, Emma Hawes was in the water almost from the time she was born. From ages 6 to 12, she swam competitively. “I would have two swim practices a day during season, then go to ballet class,” says Hawes, who’s now a first […]

Afro Flow Yoga is a body-and-soul awakening. Created by dancer-yogini Leslie Salmon Jones and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Jones, the dance form melds yoga with West African diasporic dance. The majestic entrance into Sky-Mind Hall, an exquisite 3,000-square foot floor-to-ceiling-windowed studio with breathtaking views of the Playa Guiones along the Pacific Ocean, at Blue Spirit Retreat Center […]

My hypermobility used to cause me a lot of trouble, but I’ve gained confidence and strength after reading about it in one of your columns. I now have a Pilates instructor who’s retraining my body and helping me dance in a consistent way. Thank you! —No Longer Anxious, Philadelphia, PA As you’ve discovered, addressing hypermobility […]

A good personal trainer can coach you through a challenging, safe workout. A great one understands the unique demands dance places on your body and helps you correct specific weaknesses to make you an even stronger performer. Enter Joel Prouty. Before his passion for fitness took over, he was a member of the Royal Winnipeg […]

Every dancer is told to cross-train. But, the million-dollar question you should be asking is: Is it helping my dance career…or hurting it? Why It Matters: Cross-training can be a powerful tool to give you the physicality you need to compete in today’s dance world. However, if done wrong, it can also undo all of […]

The latest fitness fad has us literally buzzing. Vibrating tools—and exercise classes—promise added benefits to your typical workout and recovery routine, and they’re only growing more popular. Warning: These good vibrations don’t come cheap. Best for Immediate Soreness Relief: TheraGun G2PRO Don’t think you’re about to get a calming massage when you pick up the […]

It can take a full team of experts to keep a dancer dancing—from masseuses and acupuncturists to yoga teachers and personal trainers. But, that comes at a cost, literally. When do you really need to invest in pricier options, and when can you take the more budget-friendly route? We broke it down for the most […]