Holiday travel tips for dancers

Travelling this holiday season?  In this post I will go over some tips to keep you in top dance form during your winter vacation.

1.  If you are driving to your destination, frequently move your legs and feet while sitting in the car (if you are the driver, of course you will need to be careful).  Stop every 2-3 hours to walk around outside.  Take the time to stretch a little (standing up) and pop any joints that feel stiff. 

2.  If you are flying, you should also be sure to move around frequently.  It is absolutely fine to stand up and walk down the aisle every hour or so (as long as you are polite, don’t worry about inconveniencing your neighbors, as a dancer you must take care of your body and do what you can to prevent blood clots).  The plane’s bathroom is a good place to do simple standing stretches like clasping your arms above your head and leaning side to side. 

3.  For all travelers, make sure to drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids like 100% juice and tea.  Avoid drinking too much soda (1 is ok, but stop there).  Try to eat healthy snacks.  Pack your own if you can, or do your best to choose the most wholesome options of what is available.  Many fast food restaurants have salads or grilled chicken sandwiches.  Starbucks has oatmeal, granola bars, juice, and sandwiches.  At the vending machine or convenience store, look for trail mix or beef jerky instead of chips and candy.  Eating and drinking well will help ward off motion sickness as well as the “blah” feeling that comes when dancers are inactive for long periods of time.

4.  No matter your method of travel, do not lift heavy luggage incorrectly.  If you can’t lift something properly by yourself, ask for help before you hurt yourself.  Use your legs, not your back, when putting suitcases in the trunk.  Use rolling suitcases when possible. Flight attendants or fellow travelers can assist you when putting items in overhead bins.

5.  Once you arrive at your destination, try to maintain your usual diet, hygiene, and sleep routines.  It’s ok to have a couple of decadent meals or a late night or two, but try to celebrate in moderation.  Indulging too much will only set you back when you get home.

6.  Keep up your exercise.  Sightseeing on foot can take the place of your usual cardio.  Keep yourself in dance form by doing a few stretches and barre or similar exercises each night before bed.  If you are staying at your destination for a week or more, see if you can take any open dance classes at a local studio (many have drop in rates and “first class free” deals).

7.  If you have time, stop by a dancewear store in the city you are visiting.  If you are going somewhere like New York City, make a point to go to the Capezio flagship store and the Yumiko boutique.  Almost all cities have local dancewear stores, and they will probably have products different from what you have seen at home.  If you do pointe and are in the market for a new shoe, it can be refreshing to get a fitting with a new fitter at a different store.

8.  Finally, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy yourself on vacation.