Safe Dance Practices

Question 0

How do you benefit from a warm up?

Answer 0

Impacts on the effectiveness of your breathing.
Impacts on your circulation.
Develops awareness of different muscle groups.
Impacts on your body’s alignment and posture.
Impacts on the efficiency of movement.

Question 1

What does a warm up consist of?

Answer 1

15-20 minute warm up consisting of
Cardiovascular work/component to increase core body temperature and the amount of oxygen being transported to the body and the working muscles which prepares you for vigorous movements in your dances and prevents the likelihood of an injury occurring. This also gets your intercostal muscles working and ready and used to heavy breathing.
Stretching should be conducted in a manner suited to how large your range of movement is. Static stretching especially increases flexibility of muscles and over time makes them stronger and more efficient.
Must get in touch with your body by executing movements, possibly from your solo work, to familiarise your body proprioceptively before you perform to get used to doing the movements and re-establish muscle memory. Also it’s important to conduct a warm up for a specific time length depending on the temperature of the environment and also drink lists of water before and during activity to replenish fuel levels.

Question 2

Why is a warm up and cool down essential?

Answer 2

A warm up raises the core body temperature and helps to prevent injury through increases blood supply to the muscles.
The effects of a warm up last about half an hour.
Cool down at the end of a class to allow for quicker recovery.
Cool down with slower movements (walking) and stretches.