Recovery Tips + Why is Recovery Important for Dancers?

If you are a dancer wanting to improve your technique and performance, recovery is one area you should prioritise.

Don’t wait until you are overly tired to rest and recover but prioritise this time throughout your week.

BUT WHY IS RECOVERY IMPORTANT?

Proper recovery after dance rehearsals lowers the risk of injury for dancers as well as promotes a more sustainable relationship to exercise. Taking enough time to rest will mean that in the long run more improvement will be made, as opposed to never having a day off and injuring or burning yourself out.

Here are our tips for optimal recovery:

Tip #1: Rest can be incorporated into class. This can look like stretching in between practising the dance full-out. Rather than going 100% and then sitting down, keeping the body warm with gentle stretching can be beneficial. The main point is finding a balance.

Tip #2: Don’t skip a cool down after class. Even a short walk around the block when you get home can be beneficial to your muscle recovery. Stretching and foam rolling can help with sore muscles after class as well. Hydration after class and balanced meals will also aid in recovery for dancers.

Tip #3: Prioritise sleep. One of the best ways to recover is something we do every night. Sleep. Even though most of us know how important sleep is, many of us in our technology-focused society struggle to keep boundaries between ourselves and screens. While we sleep, our muscles can recover as well as improve our brain function – which can help you to retain choreography!

As you can see, recovery is not something to push aside. Don’t wait to get started prioritising your recovery time whether it be in class, at home, or just while you sleep.

If you are interested in enrolling or trialling a class obligation-free contact info@dancefactor.com.au.

Dance Factor is a Wollongong-based dance studio. We offer classes in ALL dance styles and cater to all ages and abilities.