Dance Training and Body Awareness
By Yusha-Marie Sorzano, Content Expert at ten-dance.com
As a young, aspiring dancer, I used to believe that the rigor of daily classes was enough. I’d jump straight into demanding sessions without proper warm-up and head home immediately after, skipping cool-downs. Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to have sustained this routine for so long without serious consequences. It wasn’t until I joined a professional dance company that I truly grasped the importance of dedicated body care. The company provided access to physical therapists, a resource I, admittedly, took for granted at the time. I soon learned that such comprehensive support is a privilege, not a standard experience for every dancer navigating the demanding world of dance.
As dancers, our bodies are our most vital instruments. Maintaining a healthy and responsive Dance Body requires consistent care, ensuring it’s “well-oiled” and our muscles are nurtured. While strength training and stretching form the cornerstones of a dancer’s regimen, the daily maintenance in between, and during rest periods, is equally critical for longevity and performance.
A Dance Injury: A Stark Reminder of Prioritizing Your Dance Body
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“As a dancer, you know your body well. This means you can describe clearly what you’re feeling, and that’s great. But you dancers are also some of the most determined people around. I’ve seen you use sheer willpower to persist in doing something that’s painful and possibly damaging.” – Gregory Rakowski
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Years later, transitioning into freelance dance work, I unconsciously reverted to my youthful habits of neglecting pre and post-class routines. That’s when reality struck hard. I suffered a complete Achilles tendon rupture, a painful injury that forced me into a year-long journey of learning and relearning how to properly prepare and rehabilitate my dance body for a sustainable career. This challenging year became an unexpected gift, teaching me profound appreciation for my body and the crucial skill of attentive listening to its signals.
The Power of Listening to Your Dance Body and Respecting Physical Limits
Through my injury and recovery, I cultivated a deeper reverence for my body as my instrument. I began to discern the subtle differences between muscle soreness from exertion and the sharp pain signaling potential injury. Crucially, I learned to distinguish between pushing my physical boundaries for growth and ignoring pain that could lead to harm. This awareness empowered me to know when to seek professional help – from physical therapists and massage therapists to orthopedic physicians and acupuncturists – and when to utilize my personal “dance bag” of self-care tools (more on this below) to support me through rehearsals and performances.
We must prioritize the care of our dance body muscles, recognizing that it extends far beyond simply alleviating soreness and stiffness. Consistent muscle care enables dancers to maintain fluidity, optimize muscle condition, and cultivate a career that is both fulfilling and enduring. The demands of dance are incredibly physical, and the cumulative strain is undeniable. Paying attention to your body’s messages, both inside and outside the studio, and responding with appropriate care is not just beneficial – it’s essential. And remember, self-care doesn’t have to be a chore! Explore enjoyable and relaxing methods to nurture your dance body. Step outside the studio, engage with fellow dancers and mentors, and discover their body maintenance strategies.
Yusha-Marie Sorzano is the Associate Director for Community Engagement with Francisco Gella Dance Works, Director of the Joffrey Ballet School’s Contemporary Summer Intensive in Dallas, and an independent teacher and choreographer. She’s been a member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, as well as other renowned dance companies. Currently, Yusha is a company member of the highly-acclaimed Camille A. Brown and Dancers. She has performed alongside recording artists Wynton Marsalis, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Rihanna. Deeply passionate about the powerful role that educators play in the lives of young artists, Ms. Sorzano enjoys teaching both nationally and internationally. As a choreographer, Ms. Sorzano was most recently a part of the creative team for NBC’S “Jesus Christ Superstar,” acting as a movement consultant to John Legend and curating promotional material for the live event.
Yusha Sorzano is a valued content expert for Dance 360. In this article, drawn from exclusive Dance 360 material, she shares invaluable insights on the importance of consistent dance body care and offers practical tips and tools drawn from her own experiences as a professional dancer.
