No dancer wants to be injured. The words "you can't dance for the next _____ weeks/months" are some of the most devastating and demoralizing to a dancer. But more and more these days, it looks like pain is part of the game. Very few dancers scrape by unscathed by the demands of the industry.
The first thing every injured dancer needs to know is that they have an injury. The second step is to admit it to yourself. Admit that you either need to modify steps, sit out for parts of class, or sit out entirely. Working through an injury that isn't just residual pain will make the injury worse. A dancer in my class recently was told she had a stress fracture in her tibia (shin bone) and not to do any releves, pirouettes, or jumps on that leg. She wasn't as careful as she should have been and ended up on crutches with a removable cast, unable to walk let alone dance, for 5 weeks. Your love for dance is not shown by how much you try to push through injuries. Your body is your instrument, and if you love what you do, you need to love and care for your body first.
The third thing is to know you're not alone. Probably 90% of dancers will have serious and temporarily (or permanently) disabling injuries, from small things, like twisted ankles and inflamed spinal disks to bigger injuries, like broken bones and torn tendons or ligaments. Like ABT soloist Sascha Radetsky wrote in his article in the latest issue of Dance Magazine, "an injury steals from the body and gives to the soul." What doesn't kill you will make you stronger. Don't lose your morale over not being able to dance. Take the time out as a unique opportunity to rest, rethink your situation, repattern muscles that have been working incorrectly, and to watch other dancers. I sometimes learn more from watching than I do from doing.
But obviously, as much as we love to show off our battle scars, no one really wishes to be in pain. The best way to prevent injury is to know your breaking points and catch bad habits early. If you have muscles that always tense after class, do not simply stretch every day after class. Ask a teacher why your muscles are gripping painfully - you may be doing something incorrectly that could lead to bigger problems. Don't overpronate your feet and ankles (an explanation) in ballet: this is a common mistake that can lead to ankle, foot, knee, hip, and back problems. If something hurts, stop and ask why. Don't keep doing the same movements and expect the pain to diminish - it won't. Respect your body as much as you respect your craft, or your craft will eventually wear you down.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Youtube Best of the Best: Updates 14
Guess what! This is the 101th post on this blog! Yay! Okay, more dance.
Sophia Lucia - favorite turn combo
This girl may be 9 years old, but she can turn like almost no other. She's even been on Ellen, she's that good. Oh, and she can do 47 pirouettes (she holds the world record).
Dominic Duong - Man Woman Pair dance
Beautiful choreography with dynamic and inspiring dancers. A little (okay, a lot) Asian flair in there, enjoy!
Osiel Gouneo - having fun...
Because we all look like this when we're just fooling around having fun, right? We wish.
Misha Gabriel and Nick Bass - Macy's Stars of Dance - DWTS 2011
This is what entertainment should look like.
Kaitlynn Edgar at NYCDA - Mattie Love in Girl Frenzy!
Who doesn't love a bit of girly, sexy sass every now and then? This girl's got it all.
Sophia Lucia - favorite turn combo
This girl may be 9 years old, but she can turn like almost no other. She's even been on Ellen, she's that good. Oh, and she can do 47 pirouettes (she holds the world record).
Dominic Duong - Man Woman Pair dance
Beautiful choreography with dynamic and inspiring dancers. A little (okay, a lot) Asian flair in there, enjoy!
Osiel Gouneo - having fun...
Because we all look like this when we're just fooling around having fun, right? We wish.
Misha Gabriel and Nick Bass - Macy's Stars of Dance - DWTS 2011
This is what entertainment should look like.
Kaitlynn Edgar at NYCDA - Mattie Love in Girl Frenzy!
Who doesn't love a bit of girly, sexy sass every now and then? This girl's got it all.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Vote for Ballet!
Hi everyone!
You may have already heard, but YouTube is running a star search called "On the Rise," which takes semi-popular channels, asks people to vote, and displays videos from the most voted-for channels on their front page. Anaheim Ballet posts great information on dancing and interviews of dancers on their channel, and they're up against some tough opponents (soccer, beauty, art channels) and could use help with votes. I love watching Anaheim Ballet's videos, they're always super fun. Even if you don't watch their videos, wouldn't it be great for dance to be featured on YouTube's front page? Dance that isn't mainstream? We need to show the world that dance is real and accessible.
Please check it out! Vote at http://youtube-global.blogspot.com/2012/04/check-out-nominees-for-aprils-on-rise.html. Voting ends soon!
**UPDATE: voting is now closed. Anaheim Ballet lost after a pretty close battle, until the final day when one of the underdogs came up from behind and blew all the other candidates out of the water. Thanks to everyone who supported dance on YouTube!
You may have already heard, but YouTube is running a star search called "On the Rise," which takes semi-popular channels, asks people to vote, and displays videos from the most voted-for channels on their front page. Anaheim Ballet posts great information on dancing and interviews of dancers on their channel, and they're up against some tough opponents (soccer, beauty, art channels) and could use help with votes. I love watching Anaheim Ballet's videos, they're always super fun. Even if you don't watch their videos, wouldn't it be great for dance to be featured on YouTube's front page? Dance that isn't mainstream? We need to show the world that dance is real and accessible.
Please check it out! Vote at http://youtube-global.blogspot.com/2012/04/check-out-nominees-for-aprils-on-rise.html. Voting ends soon!
**UPDATE: voting is now closed. Anaheim Ballet lost after a pretty close battle, until the final day when one of the underdogs came up from behind and blew all the other candidates out of the water. Thanks to everyone who supported dance on YouTube!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Pet Peeve: Pain = Battle Scar
All dancers do it, all the time. When was the last time your friend said "I'm tired, I only got 5 hours of sleep" and you countered with "oh yeah, well I got 4"? Or she says "my back hurts" and you say "my back's been hurting for weeks AND my knee hurts now"? Dancers are always trying to one-up each other when it comes to pain, suffering, and battle scars.
Maybe it's because misery loves company. Maybe we just naturally seek attention, and one way of getting attention and sympathy is expressing our misery. Maybe we all want to show off how tough we are - oh look, I'm in so much pain but I'm still dancing. Maybe it's honorable to stick out the pain. Maybe it's a contest to see who's the toughest, who has the highest pain tolerance, who can perform the best without showing weakness and pain. It doesn't really matter what it is, but it needs to stop.
I do it too, and I've always hated that I feel a need to. I complain about my injuries and lack of energy and pain like every other dancer does, but I've always admired the people who don't participate in this verbal banter. I guess I used to think that they were the lucky ones - they're not in pain, they get enough sleep, they don't feel what I feel. Sometimes it's true - I've got a few friends who are really lucky to have never been seriously injured. But they feel tired and achy like everyone else does.
What we need to come to terms with is that our profession is a pretty unique combination of athletics and performance art. No other athlete is asked to look beautiful and effortless (okay, rhythmical gymnastics). No other artist is asked to perform feats of superhuman strength (figure skating?). We will always be wracked with some kind of physical discomfort from the athletic side and be forced not to show it by the artistic side. If we are asked not to show it on the stage, does that give us license to moan and groan twice as much off it? I don't think so.
Everyone's just as tired, beaten, and worn down as you are. Next time you hear someone start the daily battle for "who's the most beaten down," don't join in. Give them the attention they want, say "oh I'm sorry, why didn't you get any sleep last night?," but don't add your chorus of woes to theirs. We don't need to fight each other with how negative we can be. The less we view pain as battle scars to compare with each other, the more we will promote a positive environment to be in and dance in. Maybe we'll hurt a little less then.
Maybe it's because misery loves company. Maybe we just naturally seek attention, and one way of getting attention and sympathy is expressing our misery. Maybe we all want to show off how tough we are - oh look, I'm in so much pain but I'm still dancing. Maybe it's honorable to stick out the pain. Maybe it's a contest to see who's the toughest, who has the highest pain tolerance, who can perform the best without showing weakness and pain. It doesn't really matter what it is, but it needs to stop.
I do it too, and I've always hated that I feel a need to. I complain about my injuries and lack of energy and pain like every other dancer does, but I've always admired the people who don't participate in this verbal banter. I guess I used to think that they were the lucky ones - they're not in pain, they get enough sleep, they don't feel what I feel. Sometimes it's true - I've got a few friends who are really lucky to have never been seriously injured. But they feel tired and achy like everyone else does.
What we need to come to terms with is that our profession is a pretty unique combination of athletics and performance art. No other athlete is asked to look beautiful and effortless (okay, rhythmical gymnastics). No other artist is asked to perform feats of superhuman strength (figure skating?). We will always be wracked with some kind of physical discomfort from the athletic side and be forced not to show it by the artistic side. If we are asked not to show it on the stage, does that give us license to moan and groan twice as much off it? I don't think so.
Everyone's just as tired, beaten, and worn down as you are. Next time you hear someone start the daily battle for "who's the most beaten down," don't join in. Give them the attention they want, say "oh I'm sorry, why didn't you get any sleep last night?," but don't add your chorus of woes to theirs. We don't need to fight each other with how negative we can be. The less we view pain as battle scars to compare with each other, the more we will promote a positive environment to be in and dance in. Maybe we'll hurt a little less then.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Youtube Best of the Best: Updates 13
MJIT dancers at AXI Dancer Tech
You haven't seen amazing hip hop/breaking until you've seen these incredible dancers who have been hired for Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson Immortal Tour. Also, if you haven't heard of I.aM.mE's AXI (Avengers of Xtreme Illusion), check it out.
Moon and Chachi - I.aM.mE presents I want it all
A couple of really different pieces from Moon and Chachi in this video, but they're not any less amazing!
Chachi Gonzales - WOD 2012 Chachi iDance Preview
Speaking of Chachi, this is one of the best pieces I've ever seen her dance. She really holds the stage, and she's grown so much since we met her a year ago! I really admire how fearless she is, and I wish I was that way myself (also, she can sing too? Too talented). I really need to stop talking about her (and IME), but BRRRAAATTT is really good too.
Monika Jac Jagacick for AnOther Magazine - Dynamic Blooms
This isn't straight dance persay, it's bringing in the world of avant garde fashion, modeling, and makeup. However, their movements are dance, and are very similar to dance photoshoots (watch photoshoots for Dance Magazine and Dance Spirit on Youtube), plus the outfits and images created are so artistic, abstract, and beautiful.
RAkU: Yuan Yuan Tan
Again, not entirely a dance video, but it gives you the inside scoop on RAkU, a brilliant new piece at SF Ballet that stars Yuan Yuan Tan. This is why she's my favorite ballerina.
You haven't seen amazing hip hop/breaking until you've seen these incredible dancers who have been hired for Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson Immortal Tour. Also, if you haven't heard of I.aM.mE's AXI (Avengers of Xtreme Illusion), check it out.
Moon and Chachi - I.aM.mE presents I want it all
A couple of really different pieces from Moon and Chachi in this video, but they're not any less amazing!
Chachi Gonzales - WOD 2012 Chachi iDance Preview
Speaking of Chachi, this is one of the best pieces I've ever seen her dance. She really holds the stage, and she's grown so much since we met her a year ago! I really admire how fearless she is, and I wish I was that way myself (also, she can sing too? Too talented). I really need to stop talking about her (and IME), but BRRRAAATTT is really good too.
Monika Jac Jagacick for AnOther Magazine - Dynamic Blooms
This isn't straight dance persay, it's bringing in the world of avant garde fashion, modeling, and makeup. However, their movements are dance, and are very similar to dance photoshoots (watch photoshoots for Dance Magazine and Dance Spirit on Youtube), plus the outfits and images created are so artistic, abstract, and beautiful.
RAkU: Yuan Yuan Tan
Again, not entirely a dance video, but it gives you the inside scoop on RAkU, a brilliant new piece at SF Ballet that stars Yuan Yuan Tan. This is why she's my favorite ballerina.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Dealing with Anxiety - Performing Nerves
A lot of people get really nervous before performing. It doesn't matter if you've been rehearsing for weeks or months, it doesn't matter if you could do the piece in your sleep or if your brain is working overtime during the routine, some people will just be nervous no matter what. And if you're one of those people, there's some things you can do to help ease your nerves:
- First, you really need to figure out why you're nervous. Is it the audience? Family and friends? Impressing your teachers or fellow dancers? Is it a competition? Are there other important people in the audience, like scouts? Afraid of falling or making mistakes? Is there a move in the dance you're unsure of, you're inconsistent with, or is potentially dangerous?
- Audience-based - Remind yourself that no one else besides you, your fellow dancers, and your choreographer know the choreography. Practice improvisation so that you'll be comfortable with it as a last resort. Whenever you make mistakes in rehearsal, never stop, throw a face, or do anything out of the ordinary - train yourself to take them gracefully.
- Family and friends - Again, they don't know the choreography! And they think you're great anyways. Unless they're dancers, you don't have much to worry about. And even if they are dancers, you'll get some compliments and some constructive criticism, and that'll only make you better.
- Impressing people - Don't feel the need to impress anybody. You don't need to prove yourself, especially not to people who have already seen you dance. The worst thing you can do is psych yourself out thinking everyone is looking at you all the time. They're not. So don't worry if you're not perfect, because you're a human being just like the people you think you need to impress are human. Dance for yourself and your talent will be evident.
- Competitions - Don't worry so much about "ruining" it for the group. The more you worry, the more likely you are to mess up. Also, don't overthink the piece right before you go on stage. Take a few deep breaths instead of doing one last triple pirouette. Worry less, concentrate more on what you're about to do, and clear your mind of all other thought. Maybe run in place, do some cardio to warm yourself up and get yourself focused on your body.
- Important People (scouts) - I've been in this position once, but I knew I had zero chance of getting picked up by a scout. You may be different - this may be your big break! I've never been there, so all I can say is good luck and again, dance for yourself. The more you concentrate on you, the more you will be special and stand out. And the more you stand out, the more jobs you'll book.
- Fear of making mistakes - I think this is my problem. I think back to rehearsals and tell myself "I fall out of that turn 50% of the time. What if this is that time I fall out?" and I begin to psych myself out. Chances are that, unless you make the fall spectacular, no one will even notice if it happens. And if they do, so what? You're human and things will happen. Just remember that no one will remember you as "the girl who fell out of her turn during that one dance" - again, focus on yourself, stay warm, and make sure that they remember you for how special your performance is as a whole.
- Unstable movements - So there's a movement you have in your dance that you're unsure of. The first time I performed a piece on pointe, I had a double turn in the dance. I wasn't doing consistent doubles on pointe, and I always worried about it. But I found that if I didn't think about it, I didn't have the chance to tense up before the turn and ruin the performance and the turn itself. If you have some partnering work, share a hug or a smile with your partner and reassure yourself of the trust you have with this person. You'll be fine.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Youtube Best of the Best: Updates 12
I felt so guilty about my full month of not posting that I made another post today. Hope these videos make up for it!
Baryshnikov Coppelia Solo
When it comes to men in ballet, it really doesn't get much better than Baryshnikov.
The LXD Season 1 Episode 6: Duet
Not technically Youtube (it's on Hulu), but the LXD is extraordinary (hence Legion of eXtraordinary Dancers), and this is a beautifully crafted work of art.
Danielle Dominguez - blackout combo
Just a class combination, and I'm not fond of all the editing and effects, and it's a little hard to see the choreography clearly until the first solo, which starts at 0:27. It's subtle but interesting choreography, and there are some great lines and controlled moments shown by the dancer - she's lovely.
Milena Sidorova - The Spider
This girl's creative choreography takes full advantage of her technique, flexibility, and gorgeously unique body. She really does look so much like a spider.
The Australian Ballet - En Pointe!
Not really a dance video, but you get an insider's perspective on three beautiful ballerinas and the different techniques they use to prepare themselves and their pointe shoes for performance and rehearsal.
Robert Battle for Ailey - Takademe
Perfection. Sheer perfection. I have nothing more to say. Bonus: if you don't know Ailey that well, please watch this collection of clips from Revelations - Alvin Ailey's most famous piece and the most viewed dance piece in the world.
Lyle Beniga performed by Quick Crew in tribute - Nike Boots
This is a lovely tribute to Lyle Beniga's first class and choreography ever taught! Awesome to see where our stars come from.
Lando Wilkins with Mos Wanted Crew & Headbangerz - The Motto
Some people we've met already - Chachi, Ian Eastwood, Ellen Kim - plus some great artistic editing and choreography equals a fun video.
Baryshnikov Coppelia Solo
When it comes to men in ballet, it really doesn't get much better than Baryshnikov.
The LXD Season 1 Episode 6: Duet
Not technically Youtube (it's on Hulu), but the LXD is extraordinary (hence Legion of eXtraordinary Dancers), and this is a beautifully crafted work of art.
Danielle Dominguez - blackout combo
Just a class combination, and I'm not fond of all the editing and effects, and it's a little hard to see the choreography clearly until the first solo, which starts at 0:27. It's subtle but interesting choreography, and there are some great lines and controlled moments shown by the dancer - she's lovely.
Milena Sidorova - The Spider
This girl's creative choreography takes full advantage of her technique, flexibility, and gorgeously unique body. She really does look so much like a spider.
The Australian Ballet - En Pointe!
Not really a dance video, but you get an insider's perspective on three beautiful ballerinas and the different techniques they use to prepare themselves and their pointe shoes for performance and rehearsal.
Robert Battle for Ailey - Takademe
Perfection. Sheer perfection. I have nothing more to say. Bonus: if you don't know Ailey that well, please watch this collection of clips from Revelations - Alvin Ailey's most famous piece and the most viewed dance piece in the world.
Lyle Beniga performed by Quick Crew in tribute - Nike Boots
This is a lovely tribute to Lyle Beniga's first class and choreography ever taught! Awesome to see where our stars come from.
Lando Wilkins with Mos Wanted Crew & Headbangerz - The Motto
Some people we've met already - Chachi, Ian Eastwood, Ellen Kim - plus some great artistic editing and choreography equals a fun video.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Pet Peeve: Attitude
Hi everyone, I swear I'm not back from the dead, I just had a month of personal issues and stress that is starting to ebb away, so I'm back! And I'm talking about attitudes, positive and negative, that influence our dancing.
First things first - negative attitude. Having a negative, competitive, destructive energy is going to affect both the way you dance and the way others feel and dance. Have you ever noticed that one sour mood can ruin a whole room of positivity (or at least neutrality)? Just one person, one offhand remark can bring everyone down. But first, before you even say anything, a negative attitude will become a part of who you are if you let it go on long enough. Thinking "gosh that girl looks so good in her leotard, why can't I look that good?" one day can lead to bad self image, unhealthy eating habits, and possibly eating disorders (which I'm sorry to admit are a big part of the dance world). Not just destructive to physical image, but thinking negatively about your dancing can halt improvement in your dancing and can even cause you to get worse because you stop working hard. Leave whatever life problems you have at the door and work hard for yourself in the studio, but instead of letting a negative perfectionist attitude influence your self image and energy levels, let your strive for perfection motivate you towards all of your dancing goals.
Rather the contrary, a positive attitude will boost your motivation, inspiration, and rate of improvement. You'll be more receptive to constructive criticism and will work harder to train good qualities into your body. The mirror and your fellow dancers will be your friends, not the competition. Just like one sour comment can ruin someone's mood, one compliment can boost someone's mood and motivation. If you notice someone doing really nice pirouettes or really killing that hard combination, be sure to let them know! Giving a compliment will not only give the person positive reinforcement that they are on the right dance track, but will also make both of you happier. Make a goal to give one compliment each class: you might be surprised with what amazing things you see in other people. If you watch other dancers with a critical eye not to judge but to improve yourself, you will improve more, be mentally and physically healthier, and in general be happier with your dancing and yourself. Who doesn't want to be happier? Dance is your friend, and when it or any aspect of it becomes your enemy, it is time to either stop or make a change. If you love dance, then make a change for the better.
First things first - negative attitude. Having a negative, competitive, destructive energy is going to affect both the way you dance and the way others feel and dance. Have you ever noticed that one sour mood can ruin a whole room of positivity (or at least neutrality)? Just one person, one offhand remark can bring everyone down. But first, before you even say anything, a negative attitude will become a part of who you are if you let it go on long enough. Thinking "gosh that girl looks so good in her leotard, why can't I look that good?" one day can lead to bad self image, unhealthy eating habits, and possibly eating disorders (which I'm sorry to admit are a big part of the dance world). Not just destructive to physical image, but thinking negatively about your dancing can halt improvement in your dancing and can even cause you to get worse because you stop working hard. Leave whatever life problems you have at the door and work hard for yourself in the studio, but instead of letting a negative perfectionist attitude influence your self image and energy levels, let your strive for perfection motivate you towards all of your dancing goals.
Rather the contrary, a positive attitude will boost your motivation, inspiration, and rate of improvement. You'll be more receptive to constructive criticism and will work harder to train good qualities into your body. The mirror and your fellow dancers will be your friends, not the competition. Just like one sour comment can ruin someone's mood, one compliment can boost someone's mood and motivation. If you notice someone doing really nice pirouettes or really killing that hard combination, be sure to let them know! Giving a compliment will not only give the person positive reinforcement that they are on the right dance track, but will also make both of you happier. Make a goal to give one compliment each class: you might be surprised with what amazing things you see in other people. If you watch other dancers with a critical eye not to judge but to improve yourself, you will improve more, be mentally and physically healthier, and in general be happier with your dancing and yourself. Who doesn't want to be happier? Dance is your friend, and when it or any aspect of it becomes your enemy, it is time to either stop or make a change. If you love dance, then make a change for the better.
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