As the colder weather begins to set in, it’s important for dancers to take extra precautions to keep their bodies safe and warm. Winter is the time for longer warm-ups, careful cool-downs, and stylish warm accessories. Take note of the following tips to get you through the next couple of months.
Tea to-go.
Carrying tea in a thermos can help keep you warm in the car on the way to the studio. Choose an herbal tea for hydration or a green tea when you need a little pick-me-up.
Layers on layers.
Winter brings all the cute accessories like leg warmers, cross-overs, onesies, and woolen shorts. Wear all the layers you need, but be ready to take them off as your dance teacher instructs.
Warm up…always.
It’s always a good idea to warm up, but especially in the cold weather. Get your body moving before you start to stretch. Raising your temperature can be as simple as jogging around the studio or walking quickly to class. Add in some dynamic stretches like leg swings and foot prances, or some Pilates exercises to fire up the muscles in your core, hamstrings, glutes and abductors.
Move your feet.
Your feet may become cold and numb on the way to class, so it’s important to warm them up before beginning to dance. Try physically taking your foot between your hands and giving a strong massage to stimulate blood flow and get your joints moving to warm them up.
Hydrate.
We tend to drink less water when the weather is cold, but our bodies still need it, especially if you’re dancing a lot. Start the day with a large glass of water with lemon and sip on tea throughout the day to stay hydrated.
The cold winter months can be dangerous for dancers, but by following these simple tips, you can keep your body healthy and limber as you dance your way through the season!
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