Tips
Stretching tips
- Never stretch a cold muscle. This is a sure way to injure yourself. The ideal time to stretch is after barre exercises.
- Never stretch the ligaments or tendons in your knees.
- Keep your back straight, not arched, while stretching. Not only does it give you a better stretch, but it also helps prevent injury.
Sore Muscles
- Ice and heat sore muscles. Both work to relieve the pain.
- When many muscles in your body are sore, try this, it works well for me: run the water in the shower as cold as you can stand it and get in that way. Then, turn the water to as hot as you stand it, and keep alternating every few minutes. It loosens and tightens your muscles, releasing the built up lactic acid.
- Rub down your muscles and elevate your feet.
- Take a long bath after exercise, and if possible add bath salts.
Dance Clothing
- Wash leotards once or twice a week, depending how much you use them. Let them drip dry, never put them in the dryer.
- Washing tights by hand keeps them nicer and prolongs the life, but it can be a pain. When washing them in the machine, put them in a laundry bag, and always let them drip dry.
- Don't tie shoes together or put them in each other. They will not be properly aired out. Also, carry shoes in a laundry bag, they will breath better and smell nicer.
Auditions
- Be sure to come early.
- Bring something to eat and drink...you may have to wait a while and you don't want to be weak during your audition.
- Wear a leotard and tights, and avoid loose clothing. A traditional ballet bun for your hair is best. *Be sure your hair is secure, and your clothes are comfortable, so you don't have to worry about those things during the audition.
- Don't bring valuables, chances are you will have no where to leave them.
- Don't wear jewelry or decorate yourself too much, it gives a bad impression.
- Don't watch the other dancers, trust yourself. They might have no idea what they are doing.
- Always smile and emphasize the upper body. Even if you don't know the combination, it gives a favorable impression and attracts attention.
- Bring an extra change of clothes, and extra ribbons, just in case.
- Make sure you bring all the papers they may need.
- Be sure to warm up properly, most of the time the auditioner will not warm you up before beginning.
Miscellaneous Tips
- Respect your teahers. Not only will they be more willing to help you and cast you in performances, promote you, etc., but you will form a friendship with them.
- At the beginning of each semester, and especially the beginning of each year, ask yourself what you want. Sign up for classes accordingly, and concentrate on your goals.
- Use classtime wisely. The teachers are there to teach you and help you improve. Use the most of this situation, and ALWAYS ask questions if you have them.
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