Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Making the Most of Injuries and Time Away From Dancing

In her autobiography, former New York City Ballet star Allegra Kent wrote:"As a child, I knew I had one great possession: my body...All we actually have is our body and its muscles that allow us to be under our own power, to glide in the water, to roll down a hill, and to jump into anyone's arms." Her statement is a reminder that if, temporarily, you can't dance, you don't have to stop moving altogether. Resting the injured part of your body is essential; abandoning the rest of your body is a mistake.

Think creatively about how to keep up your mobility, strength, and endurance. Use extra time to exercise uninjured areas. For example,If your foot is hurt, try to strengthen your back or arms.Check with a physical therapist for specific suggestions. Non-weight-bearing movement such as swimming is almost always good for general conditioning. Pilates, floor barre, yoga and strength training may provide ways of staying fit while your injury heals.

Observe a rehearsal or class. It's possible to improve your technique simply by observing and internalizing others performances. Watch ballet videos or movies. Think of your body as patiently waiting to put into practice what your mind can be learning today. the act of thinking about something is surprisingly close to doing it.

Expand your horizons and explore something completely different. American Ballet Theatre's Rosalie O'Connor suffered a serious foot injury, and while it was mending she took up photography, snapping pictures of her colleagues. She even became adept at shooting while on crutches. Her trained eye and insider's knowledge enabled her to produce ezquisite photogenic studies of dancers, both onstage and off. Although she she resumed the roles she danced at ABT before she was injured she stopped dancing in 200 and photography is now her second highly successful career.

Other dancers have explored painting playing a musical instrument, or reading those books that you never seem to have tie for. Any hobby can keep your ind and body occupied, even if you appear to be at rest. Keep your prospective. Whether it's a few day or three-week recuperation period, over time, you will remember it as a tiny fraction of your whole dancing life. NYCB Dancer receiving rehab on an injured foot.

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