Dancers Archives - Evolution Dance Complex

Dance and Body Positivity

October 1, 2024

In a world where body image is often scrutinized and judged, dance emerges as a beacon of hope and acceptance.

It’s not just an art form but a testament to the beauty of movement that transcends size and shape. This blog post explores the profound connection between dance and body positivity, revealing how it celebrates all body types. You’ll discover dance’s empowering effects, its role in breaking down stereotypes, and how you can join this inclusive revolution on the dance floor.

The power of dance in fostering body positivity.

Dance has long been celebrated for its ability to bring joy and freedom. It’s no secret that dancing releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that brighten our moods. But beyond the immediate physical benefits, dance is a powerful tool in promoting body positivity. It encourages individuals to appreciate their bodies for what they can do rather than how they look.

When you dance, your focus shifts from external judgments to internal experiences. It’s about feeling the rhythm, expressing emotions, and connecting with others on the floor. This shift in focus can lead to a healthier body image as dancers start valuing their bodies for their capabilities rather than their appearance. Dance offers a liberating alternative in a society that often dictates strict body norms.

Most dance communities foster a sense of belonging and acceptance. Whether it’s a local dance class or a global dance movement online, these communities are built on the foundation of inclusivity. Regardless of shape or size, everyone is encouraged to participate and express themselves. This supportive environment helps dismantle the negative self-image often perpetuated by mainstream media, replacing it with a culture of body positivity and self-love.

Breaking down stereotypes.

Stereotypes about body size and shape have sadly been ingrained in our society, perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. Dance, however, serves as a counterforce to these stereotypes. It challenges the notion that only one body type is suited for dance and showcases the incredible diversity of talent in the dance world.

Historically, certain dance styles, like ballet, have been associated with rigid body standards. However, more contemporary dance form have embraced a more inclusive approach. Some of these genres include:

Hip hop
Contemporary
And modern dance

These styles celebrate diversity, highlighting that talent and passion cannot be confined to a specific body type. Dance films and reality shows have also played a pivotal role in breaking down these barriers. Movies like “Hairspray” and shows like “Dancing with the Stars” have featured dancers of all shapes and sizes, normalizing the idea that the dance floor is a space for everyone. These platforms have elevated diverse voices, inspiring countless individuals to pursue dance and redefining societal perceptions of who can be a dancer.

The ripple effect of challenging these stereotypes is profound. It empowers dancers to pursue their passion without fear of judgment and encourages audiences to reconsider their own biases. Celebrating all body types leads the dance community towards a more inclusive and body-positive world.

Join the dance revolution.

If you’ve ever wanted to dance but felt hesitant because of your body type, it’s time to cast those doubts aside. Dance is for everyone, and it’s a powerful tool for self-expression, joy, and empowerment. Here are some steps to get started.

First – find a dance style that resonates with you. Whether it’s the high energy of Zumba, the grace of ballet, or the fluidity of contemporary dance, there’s a style out there that will align with your interests and abilities. Don’t be afraid to try different classes and experiment until you find your perfect match. Remember, dancing is about enjoyment and expression, so choose something that makes you feel alive.
Second – connect with dance communities that share your values. Look for inclusive dance studios or online platforms prioritizing body positivity and diversity. Surround yourself with fellow dancers who celebrate all body types and create a supportive environment. Community engagement can boost your confidence and inspire you to continue dancing.
Finally, practice self-compassion as you learn and grow in your dance journey. It’s important to remember that every dancer, regardless of experience, faces challenges. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and appreciate your body for its strength and resilience. By nurturing a positive mindset, you’ll not only improve your dancing skills but also enhance your overall well-being.

Every body is beautiful.

Dance has the incredible power to break down barriers and promote body positivity. It’s a celebration of movement, a tool for self-expression, and a welcoming community for people of all body types. By participating in dance, individuals can develop a healthier relationship with their bodies, shifting the focus from appearance to ability.

The beauty of dance lies in its diversity. It’s a universal language that connects people across cultures and backgrounds, transcending physical differences. Whether you’re dancing in a studio, at a party, or in your living room, each movement is a testament to the beauty of the human body. At its core, dance reminds us that everybody is beautiful, capable, and worthy of celebration.

Dance offers a pathway to body positivity accessible to everyone. It challenges societal norms, empowers individuals to express themselves, and fosters inclusive communities. If you’ve hesitated to step onto the dance floor, now is the time to take that leap. Celebrate your body, join the dance revolution, and discover the joy and freedom of moving to the beat of your drum.

Why Costumes Are So Crucial for Dance

April 1, 2023

Whether it’s a lyrical, contemporary, jazz, or tap routine, costumes can help bring your dance to life.

From classic ballerina tutus to hip-hop hoodies and sneakers, each costume choice can help tell the story of the dance. Let’s explore why costumes are so crucial for dance routines.

The power of color and texture.

Costumes come in many colors and textures; all these varieties will help create a feeling or bring a specific emotion to a routine. For example, if you want to create a whimsical atmosphere for a lyrical number, you will need to find costumes with light pastel colors, soft textures, and flowing pieces. If you want a more somber feel for a contemporary routine, try using darker shades of purples or reds. The right color palette can make or break the mood you’re trying to set with your costume choices.

In addition to color, the texture is also essential when selecting costumes. Different fabrics move differently on stage, which can add an extra dimension to your routine. Shiny materials can reflect light beautifully, while velvet fabric moves gracefully with each step. Textured pieces such as fringe will add extra movement and some fun when done correctly. Playing around with different fabric types can take your routine to another level.

[A significant part of costuming is make-up – click here to learn more about stage make-up for dancers!]

They provide comfort.

Dance costumes are more than just a fashion statement – they play a crucial role in helping dancers reach their full potential. To perform at their absolute best, dancers must feel comfortable and confident in their attire. Anything less than total comfort can impede a dancer’s execution and detract from their performance. This is why dancers invest so much time and effort into creating costumes that are visually stunning while allowing them to move with ease and grace. The success of a dance ultimately hinges on the ability of the dancers to execute their moves flawlessly, and comfortable costumes are a key factor in achieving that goal.

Storytelling through costume choices.

Costumes are also important because they help give context about who the dancers are portraying in their performance. The dance may be a love story, but how does that look? Is it a dramatic ballet piece? An upbeat jazz number? Costumes will help determine what kind of character traits each dancer has based on their style. It should be easy for the audience to read who each dancer is without having to guess what their costume “means” by just looking at it.

Costumes enhance the visual effect.

The art of creating dance costumes is much more than simply choosing fabrics and colors. Every aspect of a ballerina’s attire has a purpose and function, carefully designed to enhance the overall performance. Every element is intentional and impactful, from the freedom of movement allowed by special leotards to the graceful flow and flight portrayed by tutus. The power of a dance costume lies in its ability to visually match the emotions and movements of the dancer while enchanting and enthralling the audience. In dance, the costumes are an art form all on their own.

Costume choices play an integral role in telling the story behind each dance routine. They provide clues about what kind of characters are being portrayed and set the tone for the entire performance through color and texture choices. By understanding why costumes have such power over performances, we hope you will have better insight into creating memorable experiences through costuming decisions. Are you ready for a studio that can take your performance to another level with choreography, instruction, and costume selection? Contact the expert and high-trained staff at Evolution Dance Complex today!

6 Critical Skills Gained from Dance

September 1, 2021

Dance teaches you more than how to plié, pirouette, or do a front walkover.

In addition to improving flexibility, building strength, and increasing balance, it can improve things outside of the studio as well.

The qualities you take on as a dancer don’t just help you on the stage. From self-confidence to spatial awareness, here are six critical skills you gain from dance that may help you succeed at everything you do.

Increased strength and health.

Dancing is exercise, so, naturally, it will assist in strengthening your bones and muscles. As your strength increases, you will have more energy to continue dancing.

Your increased level of physical activity and exercise can help prevent illnesses.

Boosts memory.

When you exercise, the levels of chemicals in your brain that encourage nerve cells to grow are increased. Since dancing requires you to remember various steps and sequences, your brainpower is boosted, which helps to improve your memory.

[Need some tips for improving your choreography memory? Click here!]

Improve flexibility.

Stretching before and after dance is essential to getting the most out of your movements and avoiding injury. As you continue dancing, you will stretch more consistently and will notice how each stretch will become easier.

As the stretches become more manageable, you will be able to go farther into each stretch, creating longer lines as you permanently lengthen your muscles and become more and more flexible. With this increased flexibility, you will notice you have a broader range of motion, and your dancing will become much easier.

Better balance.

To execute each move and sequence correctly, you will need to maintain a strong center of gravity.

As you learn each movement and begin to gain increased flexibility and strength, your posture, balance, and spatial awareness will naturally start to improve, making each step more accessible for you to complete.

Increases social skills & confidence.

Everybody enjoys meeting new people and dancing provides a fun environment to meet people who have the same interest as you- they want to dance! This type of environment is perfect to either utilize your social skills if you are outgoing or to help strengthen your social skills if you have a quiet personality.

Dancing is a great way to meet new friends and improves your social outlook while in an atmosphere where you can feel safe and comfortable.

Enhanced spatial awareness.

The more you dance, you will discover that you become more aware of your center of gravity. Your posture will improve, and you’ll become more physically confident and more graceful.

All of this combines to help you improve your spatial awareness, so it’s less likely that you’ll run into other people, trip over small bumps, or even bump into corners.

If you think dance classes are suitable for you or your child, keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your time in class.

If you’d like to learn to dance and you’re in the Wilmington, NC area, please get in touch with our expert staff at Evolution Dance Complex. We’d love to share the joy of dance with you!

A Dancer’s Ultimate Snack List Guide

May 1, 2021

Dancers are artistic athletes who use their bodies to tell a story and express their art through movement.

So, it’s crucial that they keep this essential tool in top shape by eating the right foods. Dance uses up a lot of energy and burns many calories, making what your dancers eat imperative in helping them master their art.

Certain foods give dancers’ bodies the nutrients they need at specific times. These foods help them perform at the highest levels and will help them recover from an intense class or a long day at a competition. Dancers must have the nutrition they need to perform their best, both in class and on stage. Want to make sure your dancer is snacking smart? Keep reading for the dancer’s ultimate snack list.

Hydration is key.

Hydration is just as important as healthy food choices! Dancers need to stay hydrated to help them push through classes or tough competitions and keep their muscles lubricated and bodies flexible. Dancers need to drink plenty of water before, during, and after dancing.

EDC dancer Lexi Deffinbaugh explains more, “The foods I eat are super important for a competition weekend and really for my entire dance week. I start drinking extra water two days before a competition to make sure I am really hydrated. That is a big thing for me. As for snacks and food, I eat a lot of nuts, yogurt, eggs, and fruit. Fruit is my favorite! Most of the time, I eat fruit for dessert instead of sweets. Sometimes sugar hurts my stomach, so I don’t eat a lot of it. My food makes a big difference to me. I can feel it easily if I don’t eat right, and it doesn’t feel good. So, I try hard to eat healthy foods.”

Plenty of water paired with healthy snacks will set dancers up for success!

Timing is everything.

Dancers often know what foods are healthy and best for fueling their busy day, but many struggle with timing, especially with snacks. When a dancer eats can be just as important as what they eat. Going for long periods without fueling properly can affect performance and energy levels and increase a dancer’s susceptibility to injury.

Dancers should keep a few snacks in their dance bag. Being prepared for mid-day classes or a long day of rehearsal is a great way to make sure they are dancing their best and simultaneously taking care of their bodies.

[Want to know what’s in some of the top-performing dancers’ bags? Click here!]

Before class snacks.

Dancers should never work on an empty stomach, so if snack time falls within 30-60 minutes before dancing, then consider an easily digestible carbohydrate to maintain your physical stamina. These snacks should be lower in fiber. Pretzels and fresh fruit are examples of smaller, easily digestible carbs that won’t leave your dancer feeling sluggish. Some other examples include:

Dried or fresh fruit.
Applesauce or a fruit smoothie pack.
Homemade protein-packed “energy balls.”
Apple and peanut butter.
A fruit-based snack bar.

During class snacks.

If your dancer needs a snack in the middle of a long practice, rehearsal, or competition day. Here is a list of low-calorie snacks that are great for your dancers to keep in their dance bag:

Mini pretzels.
Seedless grapes.
Low-fat yogurt.
Graham crackers.
String cheese.
A small amount of microwave popcorn.
Red pepper slices with some hummus.
Carrots with ranch for dipping.
Almonds or peanuts.

If there is little time between school and dance class, for example, getting an energy boost from snacks such as low-fat yogurt, peanut butter, granola bars, fresh fruit, or cheese are simple options. Something is better than nothing!

After class snacks.

Snacks after class should be rich in protein. Once dancers leave the studio, they need to start to rebuild and replenish muscle. To aid in the recovery process, implement a quality strategy of protein to carbohydrate ratio. The protein will help rebuild the muscle tissue that was damaged while dancing and the carbs replace the energy used during class.

The after-class snack should be timed anywhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour after class ends. Muscle recovery is significant for dancers who are taking classes multiple days during the week. Here are some snack ideas for dancers to have after class:

Peanut butter on a rice cake.
A fruit and protein smoothie.
Cottage cheese with some whole-grain cereal.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
An apple and a few sticks of string cheese.

[Need more tips on keeping your dancers’ body in shape? Click here!]

Just like warming up or taking lessons, proper nutrition is key to mastering your craft. Educating our dancers on how nutrition can improve their skills and longevity will set everyone up for success!

Keeping our dancers mentally and physically healthy is extremely important to us at EDC. For more dance tips and essential class information, be sure to follow our informative blog and on social media.

Photo Feature: Lexi Deffinbaugh (Dancer/Model)

With a proper balance of eating well, hydrating often, and conditioning daily, our EDC dance athletes are able to perform above and beyond!

Is dancing in the classroom just like dancing on stage?

April 1, 2021

All the classroom is a stage, or is it the other way around?

The hours of sweat and tears while training in the studio helps dancers perfect their technical skills and style, while also teaching them valuable skills in preparing for the “real” world. Dancing in the studio and dancing on stage are great ways to prepare yourself for future success, inside the world of dance and beyond.

Keep reading for six ways that being on stage prepares you for the future.

Inspires confidence and poise.

Dancing on stage can be an overwhelming experience. Stepping onto a stage and performing in front of an audience requires a tremendous amount of confidence and self-esteem, as you’re presenting your talent. In these situations, it’s natural to feel some nerves, but as a professional performer, you need to harness and use these nerves to better your performance.

A confident and poised attitude will help you stand out in job interviews and when securing work experience.

Instills improvisation techniques.

Success on the stage requires the ability to respond to unexpected developments. Maybe the music cuts off, your partner is off, or you have a costume issue. The ability to respond quickly in these situations is valuable; as the saying goes, the show must go on.

Bringing that attitude to the business world means that you will be highly adaptable and able to overcome problems. Stage performers know how to expand when the situation calls for it.

Teaches resiliency.

Due to the industry’s competitive and highly skilled nature, dancers will likely experience rejection and criticism at some point.

To cope with these challenges, resilience, and tenacity are essential traits. You need to use these experiences to hone and develop your craft and bounce back better than before.

Helps with communication skills.

On stage, you are in full view of the audience and your fellow performers. The ability to stand in front of people and deliver value is crucial. Once you build up your foundation of confidence, you can develop the other habits of highly effective communicators.

As a performer, you quickly learn that presentation and communication are about the art, not you, and conveying the story to the audience is part of your job.

[Want to know more about the world of competitive dance? Click here!]

Reiterates the importance of marketing yourself.

Many times, in dance, you will have to audition to secure a part, so it’s vital that you’re able to sell and market yourself and your abilities. This essential skill will come in handy when applying for college or for a new position in the career world.

To get your name recognized and help secure work, you’ll need to employ your networking skills learned in dance and work to make those important connections.

Teaches the importance of hard work.

As you work to improve and perfect your dance for the stage, long hours are needed. The mindset to keep working to reach a result is priceless when preparing to be on stage. It also makes a substantial difference in the professional world. The ability to put in long hours to achieve a goal is a vital success trait.

Being on the stage can be a rewarding experience for the dancer and their parents when they notice the positive changes and growth. The excitement of stage competition and the sense of accomplishment is a fantastic thing to experience.

Are you ready to take your child’s dance to another level with competition dance? Contact the expert and high-trained staff at Evolution Dance Complex today!

Photo Feature- Emily Dorman (Dancer/Model)

6 Steps to a Front Walkover

March 1, 2021

A well-rounded dancer must perform a wide array of athletic tricks that can take choreography to another level.

These can include cartwheels, back walkovers, ariels, needles, back tucks, and more. One elemental maneuver that should be in every dancer’s toolbox is the front walkover.

If you are ready to add this move to your repertoire, keep reading for six steps to mastering a front walkover.

What is a front walkover?

To learn how to perform a front walkover, it’s important to fully understand what it is. A front walkover is an acrobatic maneuver that involves lifting a leg above the torso in a back-bridge position. The legs then fully rotate so the dancer both starts and finishes in an upright standing position.

The front walkover resembles a fusion of a cartwheel, a handstand, and a round-off. But it is definitely its own unique maneuver that utilizes a comprehensive set of skills.

Work on your flexibility.

Before beginning to master this new move, ensure you are working to improve flexibility. Doing a front walkover requires a lot of flexibility in your back, legs, and core. If you improve your whole body’s strength and flexibility, you will have an easier time completing this exercise.

Stretch properly.

Movements like the front walkover can put a lot of strain on your shoulders, wrists, and back, so it’s a good idea to stretch before beginning. Following a light warm-up, loosen up those muscles and joints. Some examples of good stretch’s include:

Raise both arms high, then reach across your body as you lean from side to side at the waist.
Lie face down on the floor and push your torso up and back to limber up your lower back. Flex both wrists to get them ready to hold you up.
Sit on the floor with your back straight and centered. Extend your legs outward as wide as you can. Carefully rotate your torso towards the right then move your torso over your right leg. Remember to breathe and go slow.

Never neglect your warm-up and stretching routine. You’re at a much higher risk of injury if you force your body to perform intricate movements before it’s ready.

Ensure to follow safety procedures.

Set up a private lesson with a dance instructor, to be your spotter, as you work on any challenging new skills. A spotter can support your weight and help guide you as you run through the movements, which lets you focus on your technique.

In addition to a spotter, grab some padded mats. Mats and protective surfaces will help prevent injury in case you land incorrectly. They will also take away some fear, which might be holding you back. Once you get more comfortable with the skill, you can slowly build up the courage to do it without pads, or a spotter.

Break it down.

You can break the front walkover down into other more straightforward exercises that you can master before trying the full skill. They include:

A well-controlled handstand is a setup for the front walkover. So, it will be beneficial to make sure you have it down first.
The bridge and backbend translate perfectly to the second part of the walkover. Lying on your back with your hands and feet planted firmly on the ground beneath you, press up so that your body forms an arch. Support yourself by keeping your arms and legs straight and strong.
Master your cartwheel to get used to the action of kicking up to your hands, which will carry you over when doing the walkover. Set your hands down on the floor one after the other as you swing your back leg up. Drive through with your kicking leg to lift yourself into an inverted position, then rotate around and set it back down, followed by your opposite leg.

Get into position.

To do a front walkover, you need to stand as if you are going into a handstand. Put your legs in a split position. Start with whichever leg is more natural for you.

Then kick your back leg up into the air. As your first leg is approaching a vertical position, kick your other leg up into the air. Move your weight to your arms and shoulders.

[Want to know more about what’s it’s like to be a competitive dancer? Click here!]

Stick the landing.

Shift your weight back to your leading leg as it touches down. Then, push off the ground with your hands. You should end in the same position you started in. Make sure that you plant your feet as you land. Keep your arms flexed as you stick that landing.

Make sure you stay using the proper form throughout the whole movement. You should press your hips forward and ensure that you don’t stand up too fast.

Other important tips.

Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t inhibit your movement.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Improve your conditioning and overcome your fear of being upside down by spending a little bit longer in your handstand and bridge each time.
Don’t get discouraged if you’re not progressing as fast as you’d like. A positive mind frame is a huge part of being a strong dancer.
After you perfect your front walkover, use your understanding of the technique to start working on more difficult skills.

Most importantly, don’t overthink it, be patient, and have fun! Want to master the front walkover and other essential dance tricks? Take your talent to the next level with Evolution Dance Complex. Contact us today about our company teams or recreational dance classes!

Photo Feature- Noel Gockerell (Dancer/Model)

Video Feature- Rileigh Burrows and Tilley-Gray Cheek

A Day in the [Dance] Shoes of a Competitive Dancer

January 31, 2021

Behind the doors of the typical dance studio, people imagine adorable little girls in tutus leaping on the hardwoods or stretching over a barre.

The average person pictures a simple, carefree world, where students listen for the rhythm, learn some choreography, and spend time with their friends.

While fun and carefree is a part of this dance world, the effort put in by a fully committed competitive dancer is a lot more than what is shown at a recital or on TV. Competitive dancing consists of many hours of training, various technique classes, and relentless choreography. Dancers and their teachers put their time, blood, sweat, literal tears into their craft – and they wouldn’t trade it for the world. The feeling of improvement and hard work or placing in that important competition is more rewarding than anything else.

As a highly motivated competition dancer, Valadie will give us a glimpse into the life of a 14-year-old competitive dancer.

Valadie’s story

I started my first dance class a few months after I turned one and have loved it ever since! I started dancing at Evolution Dance Complex the year it opened, in 2014. I started getting very serious around nine years old and went to several competitions and conventions. Our family was traveling quite a bit, and with school, it became somewhat of a struggle.

It was a lot to go to public school while being out of town for a convention almost every weekend, but I made it work until 6th grade. Then in 7th grade, we decided to start online school. It is still hard to manage school while dancing 20-30 hours a week and being gone for conventions and competitions on the weekends, but both are so important to me, so I make it work. That means constantly doing schoolwork at midnight after dance class. Even with so much hard work, dance has provided me with some fantastic opportunities which will help me continue to succeed in my future.

One of those opportunities was being chosen to model for a dancewear brand named Second Skin Costumes! I auditioned to be a model for them, and I got it! I made so many wonderful friends from this experience, and I also found a new love for this awesome dancewear brand!

Another amazing opportunity and experience I had was being flown to Arizona to film a new and inspiring project with Missy Moffitt that will help dancers for many years to come. It is an app where dancers can do intricate training exercises at home. I am one of the demonstrators on the app. Intricate training is an excellent tool that helps better a dancers’ technique, and I suggest all dancers give it a try! I am so happy that we added an Intricate Technique Class into the EDC schedule this year because it really helps me become a stronger and more controlled dancer. I’m so excited, and I was honored to be a part of this project.

I also had the chance to tour with the Revel Dance Convention as a pro-reveler and assistant, and I was a Top 13 Core Performer Finalist with Radix Dance Competition last year. These are two of my favorite dance convention honors that make me very proud.

In addition to dancing, I have a passion for performing in the theater. I do one to two community shows each year where I can showcase my dance abilities and my acting and singing skills. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities dance has brought me, and I will cherish all the memories forever. Dance has been my best friend, and I’m so thankful to have this art form in my life. I’m so grateful for the Evolution Dance Complex and all of the amazingly talented teachers that help me better myself every day. I am very grateful for Brooklyne; she has offered the dancers of EDC a gorgeous facility to train in and a challenging environment that is preparing us for our future in dance. She continually pushes me to be my best and has and has made the best studio in Wilmington in my eyes! I love my dance family and look forward to this upcoming competition season!

The benefits of competitive dance.

Valadie’s story shows that while competitive dance isn’t easy, the reward is truly worth the work. Some of the positive things that competitive dance has to offer include:

Gives dancers a sense of purpose and achievement.
Provides many learning opportunities.
Prepares dancers for life challenges.
Implements poise and confidence.
Provides experiences and memories that last a lifetime.
It’s a great way to network.
It opens up so many doors – even outside of dance.

Competitive dancing can be a rewarding family experience for dance parents when they notice the positive changes, growth, and confidence in their child. The excitement of competition and the sense of accomplishment is an amazing thing to be a part of.

Are you ready to take your child’s dance to another level with competition dance? Contact the expert and high-trained staff at Evolution Dance Complex today!

7 Benefits of Dance

December 16, 2020

As any dancer knows, there is just something about the beat of the music that provides a satisfying escape from the real world.

Whether it’s the rhythm of the music, the fast-paced workout that gets your heart pumping, or the challenge of mastering a technique, one thing for sure is that the benefits are endless.

Research shows that dance will improve physical and mental health and can provide a boost in emotional and social well-being. Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of dance.

Reduced stress.

Like any other form of cardio exercise, dancing has major mood-enhancing benefits. Dancing causes your body to release powerful chemicals and can help your brain develop better sleep patterns, reducing stress.

In addition to the physicality and endorphins, the music can help soothe away your stress. Many researchers swear by the healing power of music. The steady pattern and rhythm of music can provide a source of comfort, which will often alleviate stress. In addition, the music and movement of dance taps into the power of self-expression, providing another powerful stress buster.

Builds your social circle.

A dance class is the perfect setting to make new friends and branch out socially. Maintaining positive relationships is just as crucial to your health as a good diet or physical activity. Being socially engaged leads to increased happiness, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system.

Improves self-confidence.

Learning a new skill is hard work that can deliver some positive rewards. Taking dance classes and rising to the challenge will encourage self-confidence and can increase self-esteem.

A strong presence on the dance floor can translate into other aspects of a person’s life and start a cycle of confidence and positivity.

Decreases depression.

An in-depth analysis of several different studies on the effects of dancing concludes that dancing has a positive impact on the treatment of depression. Aside from the psychological benefits of movement and music, dancing also allows us to become more connected. These social bonds can go a long way in improving mood and mental health.

Some other significant mental health benefits include:

Reduced anxiety and stress.
Opportunity for self-expression.
Boosts energy and mood.
Creates a sense of family and community.
Increased levels of happiness.
Provides a creative outlet.

Enhanced coordination.

Lack of coordination can make simple tasks more complicated. If you feel you do not have great coordination, don’t worry! It’s a complex skill, but the good news is that it can be developed with dance.

As your coordination gets better, the movement will become more natural, your balance will improve, and your dancing skills will develop. Better coordination is also excellent for your brain. It helps you to learn new skills at a faster pace.

The benefits of dance encompass all areas of health, including physical, mental, and emotional. Not only does it give you a way to express yourself and have fun, but it also helps you develop relationships with other like-minded people.

Staying mentally and physically healthy is very important to us at Evolution Dance Complex. Through our conditioning courses and rigorous dance technique classes, we consistently work with you and/or your child to encourage fitness and fun! Are you or your child ready to give dance a try in the new year? Contact the dance experts at Evolution Dance Complex today!

The Importance of a Quality Dance Warm-Up

October 21, 2020

Before your dance class, it is essential to warm-up your body.

Warming-up before beginning dance is a crucial step in the process. It is key to do this to prevent injury and keep your body in peak condition.

In addition to preventing injury, an effective warm-up will get the blood flowing, improve flexibility, and will give dancers some mental time to prepare for class. Keep reading to find out more about why warm-ups are so important to your body and your craft!

Warming up helps prevent injury.

As a dancer, it is vital to be disciplined in every aspect of dance, even things that may seem somewhat dull. While you may be very excited to start working on your Grand jeté or pirouette, it is essential to dedicate time to your warm-up.

A focused warm-up will gradually accelerate your cardiovascular system by raising your body temperature and increasing blood flow to your muscles. All of the things, plus the increased fluid to your joints and the boosted oxygen levels in your blood, will work together to decrease the chances of injury.

A proper warm-up will reduce muscle pain and soreness.

Warming up not only helps to reduce the chances of injury, but can also decrease muscle pain or soreness the next day.

During dance practice or performance, your body has to work hard to acclimate to higher levels of physical stress. It is vital to warm your body in preparation for the increased demands. Because a warmed muscle also contracts and then relaxes more rapidly, you will have less overall strain on your body.

Warming up improves flexibility and performance.

A good dancer has to be flexible, and a proper warm-up will help. Improving flexibility with warm-up stretching is another critical piece of improving physical performance and achieving your goals.

However, it’s important to remember that stretching on its own does not constitute a full warm-up, and dancers need to make a clear distinction between the types of stretching that take place during a dynamic warm-up and the static stretching activities that take place during flexibility training.

They provide mental preparation.

In addition to the physiological benefits, a warm-up prepares a dancer psychologically by encouraging a moment for breathing and focus.

An effective warm-up is a fantastic mental transition from the pressures of the day into dance activities. Dance requires high levels of concentration; this mental readiness begins with a warm-up. So warm-ups not only strengthen the body, but the mind as well!

What warm-ups do for your body.

In addition to helping prevent injury, reducing soreness, improving flexibility, and mental preparation, warming-up does many positive things to your body. A proper dance warm-up will do the following scientific things that you don’t even think about when doing it:

Raises internal body temperature by 1 – 2 degrees.
Increases heart rate and blood flow throughout the body.
Mobilizes joints to supplement the synovial fluid.
Improves the transmission of nerve impulses.
Increases coordination and body awareness.

A thorough and efficient warm-up will engage the joints, muscles, energy systems, and mind systematically. This allows dancers to take full advantage of their many capabilities.

By engaging in a warm-up before each dance activity, dancers will maximize the work done in class, rehearsal, or performance safely and efficiently.

Staying mentally and physically healthy is very important to us at EDC, our goal is to help your child stay at the top of their dance game. Through our weekly conditioning classes, rigorous dance technique classes, and of course, thorough warm-up routines, we consistently work with you or your child to encourage fitness and fun!

For more dance tips and essential class information, be sure to follow our informative blog and on social media.

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