How To Prevent Common Dance Injuries

The dancer on stage may seem graceful and carefree, but there are actually a number of injuries that are associated with dancing. Whether you are dancing for fun or dancing as a professional, here are some things that you should keep in mind to prevent dance injuries.

1. Warm up. The most important part of dancing is warming up. Keep in mind that dancing is just like any sport – you are going to be straining your body with movement, which is why you need to prepare your body ahead of time. Learn the basic stretching techniques to limber up your body and to loosen your bones for a more fluid motion. Apart from stretching, you should also learn some basic cardiovascular exercises that will gently bring up your blood pressure without sending your body into shock.
2. Study your body. Good dancers know the limits of their body. If you plan on dancing professionally, or if you want to master complex dance moves you should learn how your body functions and what limits your body has. A good dance class will give you a brief overview of how the body functions during dances and will give you an idea of what you can do with your body while dancing, and what you cannot do. If you have not taken dancing lessons, you should at least do some background research using free tools such as the Internet or your local library.
3. Footwear. Dancing often requires certain clothing to complement the dance moves and to create an aura. The most important part of clothing that you need for dancing, however, is the shoes. The shoes should be comfortable enough for you to execute the fancy footwork in your dance step, but strong enough to withstand the rigors of dancing. Also factor in the type of dance that you are planning on doing. For example, ballroom dancers need particular types of shoes, while tap dancers need shoes that are designed specifically for tap dancing. If you are performing ballet, on the other hand, you will also need ballet flats that will allow you to dance on your toes.
4. Posture. Form and posture do not only make you more appealing as you dance, but are also crucial because proper posture keeps your body in a stable position. Remember that just because you are moving around does not mean that the posture should be neglected. Usually, dance steps will actually incorporate the correct posture, such as what parts of the leg to use to support yourself while bending, how your hips should be positioned while flexing, and how you should maintain your back during the dance. Along with posture and form, the proper technique in dancing ensures that your body is safe.

Finally, be sure to rest after your dancing lessons or after the show. If you are a professional dancer, be sure that you schedule your performances with enough time in between shows to relax, rest, and practice. Strained bodies are one of the major reasons why dancers get fatigue and sore muscles.