Waltz of the Tired Dancers

Although the night before Christmas may still be months away, visions of Sugar Plums are already beginning to dance in many of our heads. Nutcracker season can be brutal, stealing every last ounce of energy. But before you start downing Red Bull, fill up your water bottle. Sweaty rehearsals can make you dehydrated—and fatigue is the first sign. Even a 1 or 2 percent dip in the body’s water levels will leave you yawning. In addition to the standard 8 cups of water a day, dancers need an extra cup or two for every 30 minutes of intense rehearsal, depending on a bunch of factors like how much you sweat, altitude, food intake, etc. Start chugging!