Eight mandatory rehearsals. One nondisclosure agreement. Zero pay. These were a few of the specifications laid out in a casting call for dancers to be a part of the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show. After news got out that some dancers would be working as volunteers, and receiving no real benefits besides the exposure opportunity […]

If you’re spending your days bouncing from virtual class to Zoom rehearsal to at-home Pilates, you could end up dehydrated, which can put you at risk for early-onset fatigue, dizziness and injury. A thirst-quenching smoothie can tackle that post-class energy slump while helping you stick to your hydration goals. But a smart blend is filled […]

Injury prevention is crucial for dancers. But compared to the resources focusing on dance styles like ballet, modern and contemporary, guidance for dancers specializing in percussive forms—for example, tap, flamenco or kathak—is arguably less common. What kinds of injuries tend to affect these dancers, and how can they be avoided? What Are the Most Common […]

From oversized mouse heads in The Nutcracker to Jabbawockeez masks, most dancers have experience performing with restrictive costumes or headpieces. But as we transition from taking class at home during the COVID-19 pandemic to sharing a studio with others, masks aren’t just a costume accessory: They’re a necessary health tool. While masks are not a […]

There’s a new must-have accessory for the dancers who’ve begun to venture back into the studio. Face masks are essential to protect your teachers and fellow dancers (not to mention their families) from coronavirus. But they definitely make dancing more complicated. How can you prepare for—and adjust to—the new masked normal? Here’s practical advice from […]

You’ve likely been working hard to keep up with your dancing during this period of uncertainty and isolation. Still, your days are probably not as full as they used to be. Cooking can be a stress reliever, and if you’re a novice, learning a new skill can challenge your brain in a different way. Plus, […]

College can be hard on the body. Between late-night rehearsals, carrying backpacks around hilly campuses and long, sedentary study sessions, it’s tough for dancers to give their bodies the care they need to prevent injury. Here are the most common reasons college students get injured—and our top tips for prevention. The Problem: Their bodies are […]

I’m typically an upbeat person until my allergies kick in during the spring. Then I feel really down. What can I do to keep this from happening? An allergic reaction shouldn’t affect my ability to enjoy dancing, should it? —Katie, Princeton, NJ Surprisingly, allergies can affect your mood. Research by neuropsychologist Dr. Paul Marshall shows […]