Cross training for dancers

pradina · Post by **pradina** » 26 Jun 2009, 20:58

Can the knowledgeable ones please chime in some advice in this regard?

KSDD · Post by **KSDD** » 30 Jun 2009, 06:24

In my experience, the practice of yoga is very helpful in diferent aspects of dance.

mohan · Post by **mohan** » 30 Jun 2009, 07:58

Keeping fit in any activity (be it walking, running, aerobics, karate, soccer, basketball or general gym work) will be beneficial for dancers. It will enhance their stamina, strength and general fitness.

Umesh · Post by **Umesh** » 30 Jun 2009, 08:36

Interesting pradina asks this question now, as I am currently scoping out several gyms in my area to see which one offers the most variety and convenience.

Up until now, I've been mostly running or walking. Actually, just a lot of long-distance walking and treadmill running as of late, since running seemed to be taking a little toll on my knees (plus it just got a bit mundane). As Mohan said, general fitness is very important (perhaps add lap swimming to his list... good cardio!). Try a little of everything and do more of the things you like. Just be careful of high-impact workouts with your knees/legs... araimandi is exercise enough for them!

krishnaa · Post by **krishnaa** » 30 Jun 2009, 17:12

Just a question Umesh,
Will it do you good if you practice evryday for about an hour or an hour and a half and don't do any more exercises? It should also increase your stamina, right?
Because with me, i can manage to practice everyday but there is absolutely no chance of any other exercises due to time and the place. I do walk almost three times a week, thats about it...
Please do tell me...

mohan · Post by **mohan** » 30 Jun 2009, 18:33

Krishnaa if you dance for an hour a day and walk three times a week, it should be sufficient exercise. Of course your diet needs to be ok too. On weekends maybe you can try an extend your dance sessions to 2 hours.

pradina · Post by **pradina** » 30 Jun 2009, 20:00

Thank you all for your input. It is reassuring that I'm on the right track.

I do try to practice yoga. Main reason being, yoga does offer strength training and flexibility in one go. The amount of time most of us can afford also matters. The high impact factor is definitely in mind when cross-training. As Umesh says, araimandi is impactful enough.

Yes, dancing does offer a good build-up of stamina. But, when I practice, there are so many points warranting attention. So, it's stop-and-go in many instances. More so when practicing a new or out-of-touch piece. The last thing I want to deal with then is lack of stamina or injury. Stamina is one slippery ground. What's worse, with age it becomes even more so.

Diet is definitely a factor too. In all, it's a lifestyle.

krishnaa · Post by **krishnaa** » 30 Jun 2009, 21:02

i go for my dance classes about two to three times a week. one class lasts for about two and a half hours. my college timings are from 7am to 5 pm so by the time i come home, i only have enough time to practice... Thanks alot Mohan for your advice!

pradina · Post by **pradina** » 30 Jun 2009, 23:12

wow, 3 classes a week at 2.5 hrs each! you are lucky.

krishnaa · Post by **krishnaa** » 01 Jul 2009, 00:12

Thanks for your advice too Pradina!!!
Yes Pradina, i am indeed very lucky in this case! I am from North India and started learning Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi at a very old age. My Guru is a product of Kerala Kalamadalam. She is very kind to me in accepting me, first of all at such an old age. Secondly, she takes full care of me and assures me at each step, i am indeed very very lucky to have Smt Kalamandalam Ajitha as my guru!

Umesh · Post by **Umesh** » 01 Jul 2009, 06:24

Krishnaa, I think you are doing just fine! We all should keep to a schedule more like yours. I truly believe that dance is the best exercise, and works out your entire body, right down to those tiny facial muscles.

Pradina, the best thing to do to increase stamina is to dance a varnam regularly. Any cardio workout will help when this isn't possible, but if it is stamina for dance that you need (especially when you need it quickly for an upcoming program), then dancing is what you should do. To have stamina is to conserve energy and know when and how much energy you need to exert over an extended period of time. Varnams accomplish this well. I know what you mean about having to stop frequently, so just for stamina's sake, practice a piece at which you are adept and can do with few errors.

pradina · Post by **pradina** » 01 Jul 2009, 07:20

Yes Krishnaa, your schedule is enviable indeed. It is definitely something I will work towards.

Umesh, thank you for the invaluable advice. I will try to incorporate a varnam into each session. I need to make my practice sessions more well-rounded. That way, hopefully, the out-of-touch scenario won't happen