After a dance-packed day, it’s not uncommon for your lower body to be swollen. This phenomenon isn’t anything to worry about, but it can be uncomfortable. Luckily, there are a number of easy fixes—and ways to prevent swelling altogether. Dance Spirit turned to Jessica Lassiter, DPT, OCS, ATC, CMPT, a physical therapist and certified athletic […]
You know what unfortunately goes hand in hand with the greatest time of year? The dreaded cold and flu season. But, never fear—you can stay ahead of the curve this year by keeping your immune system working smoothly before the sniffles set in. We’ve rounded up our best tips and tricks to help you stay […]
You and your phone have more in common than you might guess, says Dr. Rafael Pelayo, pediatrician and clinical professor at the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine. “If you charge your phone halfway, it works for a few hours,” he explains. “But it’s not performing at its full potential, and you have to […]
From lattes to jack-o’-lanterns, pumpkins and October go hand in hand. But this super squash is way more than just a spooky staircase addition—it’s a performance-boosting powerhouse and a dancer’s best friend. Here are a few ways to reap the health benefits of this fall staple. In Your Food Thinkstock There are lots of delicious—and […]
You’ve probably heard that protein is essential in a dancer’s diet. But you might not know what protein actually does for your hardworking bod, how much you should be eating, and—gasp!—why it could actually be overrated. We asked Andrea Chernus (a registered dietitian nutritionist who advises Juilliard students and Hamilton cast members) and Nora Minno […]
Fitness fads come and go, but one has stood the test of time: Pilates. Dancers swear by this full-body workout as an effective cross-training regimen. The low-impact moves are easy on any nagging injuries and help keep you lean, toned, centered, and flexible. Dance Spirit turned to Youn Kyung Lee, owner of 21 Pilates in […]
Pointe shoes can transform even the simplest steps into ethereal movements of elegance and beauty as anyone who’s ever seen a ballerina bourree on pointe can attest. It’s no wonder that young dancers long for the day when they too may don a pair of pink satin shoes. But there are a ton of misconceptions—even […]
More studio time = more improvement? Not always, according to Roman Zhurbin, American Ballet Theatre soloist and certified personal trainer. “It’s absolutely necessary to take rest days so your body can reset and you stay motivated,” says Zhurbin. “Seven days a week of hard training is just unhealthy.” What is healthy: letting your body recover […]