Are you heading out on a family vacation this summer? Or just taking a break from the studio between spring and summer classes? You need to do at least a little to stay in dancer form over the break, especially if you have placement classes or auditions on the horizon. In this post I'll give a few tips to stay in shape at home and on the road.
If your studio is closed between spring and summer sessions or does not offer classes outside the school year program, you may suddenly find yourself spending a lot more time at home. Just because you're stuck without a studio does not mean that you're stuck on the couch. There are plenty of ways to dance and work out without leaving your home.
The most important thing to remember is to keep moving. Stay active through running, swimming, or playing outside with friends and pets. This will keep you in good aerobic health, which is extremely important to your success in dance.
If you want to work with a structured class, look to YouTube. Kathryn Morgan has an awesome ballet channel that features barre workouts ranging from beginner to advanced. Check it out at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ7v_GfFQaVoaPak9_SwR5A. You can also find some pilates and yoga videos that are easy to follow.
If you prefer to work on your own, try to think of what you normally do in your dance classes. Barre can easily be done at a kitchen counter, windowsill, or while holding a chair. Any hard floor (kitchen tile or linoleum, wood, etc.) can be a dance floor. Just be aware of the size of the space and adjust your movements to avoid injuring yourself or any property. (Note: If you are an intermediate/advanced pointe dancer and want to practice at home, make sure you are on a hard floor and have something to use as a barre. Home floors can be very slippery for pointe shoes. If you are just beginning pointe, do not practice without the supervision of a teacher). If you are a tapper or Irish dancer, finding a place to safely and respectfully practice in your hard shoes can be difficult. Garages are great places to practice if you have permission and access. If you don't have access to a garage, grab some old or beat up sneakers (they don't have to be dance sneakers, any kind will do as long as they are sturdy enough to protect your feet) and do your moves outside on pavement. You will feel more resistance than usual, and you may not be able to execute all of your steps perfectly, but working on the basics will be enough to keep you in shape until the next season of classes starts.
If you are heading out on vacation, see if you can pack a few basic fitness items. A Theraband takes up very little space in a suitcase, and it can be used to stretch and exercise the feet and ankles. Tennis balls can be used to stretch and massage the feet and other parts of the body. If you are intermediate or advanced and want to practice pointe on the road, throw a pair of pointe shoes (old ones so you won't miss them if your bag goes missing) and toe pads in your bag. Most hotels have desks and bathroom countertops that can be used as a barre. A towel can make a passable yoga mat if you want to do a little yoga or ab-work.
If your trip involves a lot of sightseeing, walking, swimming, or other activity, you don't need to do any more specific cardio (DO make sure you stay hydrated during your activities, just like you would during a long dance class). When you can, stretch, work your abdominal muscles, and practice little bits of dance technique. Even if the only time you have is while brushing your teeth, you can still get in a few piles and releves.
If you are visiting family or spending several days in a city, look into taking a class or two at a studio in the area. Most studios offer individual class rates (some with the first class free), and you can really benefit from learning from a new teacher. If you choose to do this, try to make arrangements before you travel. Be aware of dress code requirements, and pack appropriate dancewear and shoes.
Whatever your summer plans may hold, remember to move your dance muscles, even if only a little. It's the greatest gift you can give yourself in order to have a successful season.
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