It is fair to say that processes with positive outcomes are linked to the extent of the preparation. We prepare ingredients before we tackle a complicated recipe. We sand wooden furniture before applying that first coat of paint. The concept is similar when addressing the needs of ballroom dance students prior to participating in often strenuous dance classes.
Before you dress in your ballroom dance apparel and place your Latin dance shoes on your feet, preparing your body for the physical demands of dance is essential. No matter the dance style or the skill level of dancers, stretching and warming up all muscle groups is necessary for everyone. Let's examine why stretching is so important and valuable for dancers. Then we can discuss some best practices to keep your body moving expertly through every step, twist, and turn.
The Science and Simplicity of Stretching
Have you ever observed a baby or cat waking up from a nap? Arms are raised, and bodies are elongated. The motions are almost involuntary, and quite apparent that they feel good and set the stage for the next move. It is important for dancers and dance students to create a stretching routine before they initiate the first dance step. Prompting dancers to stretch is more than just a casual suggestion. It is an important way to wake up the body for the next activity. Here are a few reasons why it is crucial to develop a stretching routine.
Injury Prevention. Nothing will prevent a dancer from enjoying this activity like an injury such as a pulled muscle or sprained joint. Stretching helps warm up muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, thus reducing the risk of strains, sprains, tears, and other exercise-related injuries. Increasing the blood flow to each body part makes them more pliable and less prone to overextension while dancing.
Improved Performance. This is the goal of every dancer. Properly stretched muscles allow for greater freedom of movement, range of motion, and fluidity in the dance technique. Stretching makes it easier to lengthen and relax muscles and execute dance steps and other movements with precision, control, and grace. By achieving proper form and technique through conditioned muscles, dancers have the potential to improve speed, power, and endurance.
Increased Circulation. Stretching promotes improved blood flow to every part of a dancer’s body, including the muscles. This efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients through increased circulation can help enhance muscle function, improve muscle coordination, reduce muscle soreness and cramping, and lessen fatigue during and after a dance class.
Enhanced Flexibility. As dancers step, spin, and kick, warmed-up muscles allow for greater overall flexibility, which is essential for achieving proper dance positions, executing challenging movements, and preventing muscular imbalances that decrease the range of motion and hinder performance.
Mental Preparation. Stretching not only positively influences your body, but it can also affect the mind. Just like our muscles, our minds can benefit from a stretching regimen before the start of a dance class or performance. Focused, relaxed stretching can serve as a mental warm-up, allowing you to focus your mind, center yourself in the moment, and connect with your body. Stretching can help a dancer transition from daily activities to the dance environment to mentally prepare for the physical and artistic challenges that lie ahead.
Injury Rehabilitation. Unfortunately, injuries can occur. Should an injury happen, stretching is critical to an overall rehabilitation routine. It can help restore flexibility, strength, stamina, and mobility to the affected muscles and joints, aiding in the healing process and preventing re-injury.
Posture and Alignment. Every ballroom dance instructor will observe dance students’ style, technique, and execution, but it is important to keep in mind they will also be looking at a dancer’s posture and alignment. A dancer can reduce imbalances and asymmetries contributing to poor posture or movement patterns by elongating tight muscles and releasing tension.
Strategic Stretching
As a dancer, it is important to focus on stretches that target specific muscles and areas of the body most used in dance. Below are a few stretches that are particularly beneficial for dancers. So before deciding on your ballroom dance apparel, focus on stretching the muscles to enhance your dancing.
- Hamstring Stretch. This is a big, long leg muscle that deserves a lot of attention. Sit on the floor with one leg extended and the other leg bent with the sole of the foot against the inner thigh. Reach forward and try to touch your toes.
- Quadriceps Stretch. Stand tall and grab one ankle, pulling your heel to your glutes. Keep your knees together and your torso upright.
- Calf Stretch. Stand facing a wall, placing your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Step one foot back and press the heel into the floor while keeping the leg straight.
- Hip Flexor Stretch. Kneel on one knee with the other foot in front, forming a 90-degree angle. Gently shift your weight forward while keeping your torso upright.
- Split Stretch. Sit on the floor with legs formed in a wide "V" shape. Slowly lean forward, keeping your back straight and reaching toward the center.
- Spine and Back Stretch. Lie on your back and hug your knees close to your chest, gently rocking side to side.
All dancers and dance students should create a stretching routine that allows for a safe, controlled, and comfortable process that enhances the dance performance. As you search for ballroom dance apparel online at your favorite ballroom clothing store, remember that no matter the attire you choose, a warmed-up, properly stretched, and conditioned body will also help you to look and feel fabulous on the dance floor.