More than 10 million children in the United States participate in dance and around 15,000 young adults earn their living as dancers, according to NorwichBulletin.com. Dance is used in the performance arts, in competitions, as a social outlet or to improve personal fitness. Good health, proper training and nutrition are essential for the success and well-being of the dancer.
Definition
All forms of dance, including ballroom, tap, ballet and jazz require acute athleticism, significant discipline in lifestyle and long hours dedicated to training and practice. Many dancers may be prone to disordered eating due to pressures in maintaining a certain body image. Other dancers may suffer from injury due to overtraining or improper rehearsal and technique.
Fitness for Dancers
Dancers are prone to injuries because they do not train like typical athletes do. NorwichBulletin.com explains that the training and rehearsal regimen in dances like ballet are based on artistic tradition instead of scientific principles that influence other athletes' training. Dancers usually train throughout the year and are not given sufficient rest periods to allow muscles to heal and nutrition stores to be replenished. A balance in strength training, aerobic endurance and flexibility should be incorporated into the dancer's fitness training program to prevent injury and improve performance. Additionally, techniques performed in daily classes should reflect the same movements used in demanding performance rehearsals.
Nutrition
Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment explains that finding a proper balance of nutrients and energy not only prevents fatigue and injury, but also supports a long, healthy career in dance. SHAPE provides a few suggestions for dancers. Eating breakfast daily, combining protein and carbohydrate from wholesome sources like fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains and eating small meals throughout the day can promote good health and performance. Post-rehearsal eating habits like hydration, eating within 40 minutes after exercise and eating whole foods can promote muscle repair and lean muscle growth, reduce soreness and sustain energy levels.
Female Athlete Triad
The "female athlete triad" is a health condition found in female athletes, particularly in dancers, that involves disordered eating, menstrual disturbances and osteoporosis. Chronic energy deficiency from disordered eating or excessive exercise causes a number of health complications and is usually due to the pressures and expectations of female athletes to be lean and have a low body weight. Suffering from this triad can be dangerous, so it is important to seek professional medical help to prevent the adverse health effects of the triad, explains the Female Athlete Triad Coalition.
Considerations
Dancing provides a number of health benefits, including good cardiovascular health and reduced risk of stroke and heart attack. However, improper training techniques and disordered eating can cause otherwise preventable injuries and illness. If you suspect you may suffer from disordered eating habits or have a tendency to overtrain or over-exercise, you should seek professional medical guidance.
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