Accelerate Dance and Fitness

When I was watching some of the dancers compete at YAGP finals, I saw some incredible talent… but I also saw quite a few interesting movement compensations. A dancer can have fabulous training and still be dynamically unstable. A dancer can also have fabulous stability but not have good training. Putting dynamic stability with good training can make:

- A fabulous dancer even more amazing
- Reduced risk of injuries
- Better endurance and less fatigue
- Enhanced longevity for their future dance career
- Easier to coach because they can correct things easier
- Effortless looking (and feeling) movement

Need help with pirouettes? Check out my profile to view more tips! This series helps with dancers who struggle to spot. Breaking down the spot can often reveal where the challenge truly lies. Is it the head, or the eyes? Give it a try and see if it helps!

In case no one told you, these things are not normal! I never realized they were all connected until my brother, who was an ultra marathon runner told me these were symptoms of an imbalance of electrolytes, a common problem in ultra marathon runners. I started adding electrolytes to my water daily and ALL of these symptoms disappeared. I like Nuun tablets because they’re quick and easy, but sometimes I add citrus fruits and salt to my water too!

***disclaimer*** this is not meant to be medical advice. I am just sharing my lived experience in hope that it will help others. Please consult a nutritionist for nutritional advice.

If you’re not convinced, here are two more reasons to work on the supporting side first!

First, that leg is supporting the weight of your entire body! If the muscles aren’t working in balance, it will become inefficient and can lead to muscular imbalances or even restricted flexibility of your passe leg.

Second, once the supporting leg is truly stable, you’ll be able to adjust the working leg without the supporting side moving in response.

It’s always fun for me to track progress of my students! Sometimes we see progress in all sorts of unexpected places just from working on building a stronger base of support first!

Want time to slow down and work on things like this? Join me for my summer classes! In person classes meet once a week in the mornings and run from June 1st through August 7th. Drop in for a class or two or register for the summer to really see progress! Link in bio to register!

Giving your dancers lots of strengthening work with a theraband? Be sure to check what their feet look like pointing without the theraband too! We want to see the toe “knuckles” pop and see long, not crunched, toes! This can help ensure foot intrinsics are working and reduce the risk of ankle tendinopathies (such as the FHL or FDL tendons).

Still planning your summer? Join me for semi-private classes or private lessons where we work on flexibility, strengthening and ballet technique. Classes are available for ages 6-8, 9-11, 10-12 pre-professional level and ages 12 & up. Virtual private lessons are also available and virtual classes are coming soon! More information available at www.acceleratedance.com or email me at [email protected]!

Thank you to my beautiful students who are a part of this video





And Rylie