Should I go to class sick or hurt?

Sometimes it just can't be avoided.  All of us end up sick or injured at some point.  When you're hurt or under the weather, you may feel anxious that you can't afford to miss class.  Or you may feel so awful that you feel like you'll never dance again!  In this post, I'll explain when you can push through and when it's best to rest.  With flu season (and winter performance season!) coming up, this info may prove to be very helpful in the near future.

If you have a small illness like a little cold, runny nose, relatively minor headache, or if it's "that time of the month," you should be ok for class.  Just take an ibuprofen or use your usual remedies, and wear comfy dancewear that keeps you warm.  The same thing goes for small injuries like minor sprains and strains, cuts, and bruises.  Make sure you let your teacher know what's up before class starts.  He or she will probably be understanding and tell you to take it easy.  If you start feeling worse during class, let the teacher know immediately, and sit down or excuse yourself.

If you are sick with a fever over 100 degrees, you are nauseous, or you feel very dizzy or faint, stay home from class.  You or a parent can call the studio to let them know you are unwell.  Make sure you get plenty of sleep, eat some soup, drink some tea, and cuddle on the couch with your dog while you watch a classic dane movie like Fame.  Usually you will only have to miss a class or two before you're back on your feet.  

If it's rehearsal for a show that's at stake, try to go if you feel like you can make it (but if you have nausea or an upset stomach, still stay home).  Let the choreographer know you're unwell, and you may have to mark some of the movements.  Stay away from the other dancers if you can so you don't spread your germs.

If you have an injury like a more serious sprain, go to the doctor first.  If the doc says it's ok, go to class unless you have intense pain.  Definitely let the teacher know what's going on and only participate in the parts of class that don't work the injured area.  If class gets too painful, take a seat and observe.  

If your injury puts you on crutches or in a cast, still go to class if you can, but be prepared not to participate.  You can observe and take notes so you are still learning, even though you can't dance.  Once you're well, take some private lessons if you can to help you catch up.  

If you feel like your illness or injury is severe, skip class and go see a doctor.  Always follow a doctor's advice, even if it isn't what you want to hear.