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Ouch!!
It happens so fast. One minute your feeling
great, putting together complicated zapateado combinations, full of
energy. The next minute your in serious pain and wondering what the heck
just happened? When it comes to avoiding injuries, the saying that an
ounce of prevention goes a long way is definitely right. Here are some
tips to make sure that your dance career is long, healthy, and fun.
Heat things up.
You have heard it a million times before. Warming up properly helps avoid
sprains and pulls because muscles become more elastic and better able to
absorb shock when they are properly stretched out. Warm up before every
single practice and show.
Kneed we say more.
The date 2050. The event? A reunion of aged folklorico dancers all
hobbling along in their walkers and knee replacements. To prevent this
from happening to you make sure to use knee supports to protect your
joints. And give yourself a break when dancing on hard surfaces. Save the
hard zapateando for the nice wooden tarimas.
Hit the gym.
Weight training not only strengthens your limbs against injury, but it
also helps you recover quicker if you do get hurt. Squats are great for
building buttock and thigh muscles. Tricep pulls will help with that
faldeo. Weight train for health at least 2 times per week.
Shoes wisely.
Proper fitting dance shoes are essential to staying healthy. Fit them with
a nice sports pad insole to take some of the sting out of those long
practices. And be kind to your feet. A massage and a soak in a hot tub
once in a while can do wonders for your spirit and your dancing.
Bottom Line, preparation and training off the stage is very important to
having a long and healthy dancing career.
Signed. Jose' - Director
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