Safety for dancers Flashcards
What are the three aspects of safety for dancers?
Environmental, personal and psychological.
Name as many environmental factors that could effect the dancer as you can.
The floor, props and set, ballet barres, space given for the number of dancers, temperature of the room, high ceiling and mirrors.
How could the floor surface effect the dancer?
If the floor surface is very sloppy or particularly sticky, the dancer has a high chance of falling over when moving or landing jumps. This could result in a fracture of the fifth metatarsal or a lateral ligament sprain in the ankle. Bruising is also likely to occur.
How could the temperature of the studio effect the dancer?
The ideal temperature for the studio is between 18 and 23 degrees. If the studio is too cold, the dancer will be unable to maintain a raised core temperature required to get the blood circulating to the muscles in use. Without being able to maintain a raised core temperature, the dancers are at risk of muscle strains. On the other hand, if the studio is too hot, dancers will become dehydrated and suffer dizziness resulting in a lack of concentration that could lead to an ankle sprain.
How could obstructions in the studio effect the dancer?
Dancers need a large, clear open space to rehearse and perform in. Obstructions such as fans, heaters, portable ballet barres, music systems or curtains can be dangerous to the dancer if not removed from the studio space. This is because the dancer is at risk at slipping over or tripping on the obstructions. As a result the dancer may obtain bruising to the arms, legs or feet and are at risk of getting a sprain .
How could having mirrors in the studio effect the dancer?
Although mirrors aren’t essential to the studio, the addition of them to a studio allows the dancer to monitor their alignment and therefore correct any issues that they see. Any imperfections in their technique can be addressed meaning that injuries to the knees as a result of forcing turn out or lateral ligament sprains as a result of landing jumps incorrectly can be prevented.
Name as many personal factors that could effect the dancer as you can.
Warming up, cooling down, correct footwear, no jewellery, clothing that doesn’t restrict, clothing that allows alignment to be seen, hair off the face, hydrated, enough sleep and consuming enough food.
How can eating enough before and after dancing effect the dancer?
If a dancer does not eat enough before dancing the muscles won’t have enough glycogen to work efficiently resulting in the production of lactic acid. This can lead to muscle soreness and strains. Equally, following dancing, the glycogen stores need to be replaced to allow the muscles to continue functioning efficiently.
How can wearing appropriate shoes effect the dancer?
Studio floors can be slippery and so proper dance shoes that have grip on the bottom or bare feet are the safest options for the dancer. Socks and shoes without grip could result inn falls when landing leaps or jumps which could lead to a fracture of the fifth metatarsal. Improper balance when doing a high kick or falling out of turns are other issues that could lead to ankle sprains. Shoes that support the foot but also allow a full range of movement are also important in the prevention of injuries to the knee.
How does warming up and cooling down effect the dancer?
A good warm up should provide the body with a period of adjustment from rest to exercise. A rise in heart rate allows more oxygen and glucose to get to the muscles for energy production and increased blood supply improves elasticity of muscles. Without the warm up, muscles are more likely to become strained resulting in injury A cool down is beneficial to allow a gradual reduction in exercise towards a resting state and helps to redistribute lactic acid to prevent muscle soreness and injury.
How does wearing jewellery effect the dancer?
Jewellery should not be warn when dancing as it could cause injury. Sharp charms or pendants could lead to a cuts which leads to the possibility of infection. If doing contact work, the other person may also gain these injuries. Necklaces could cause the dancer to become strangled when moving. Earrings must be removed in order to prevent them from being ripped out of the ear.
Name as many psychological factors that could effect the dancer as you can.
Confidence, focus, supportive environment, be kind and supportive to others, eliminate negative self thoughts and positive imagery.
How can working in a supportive and focused environment effect the dancer?
If dancers are not in a focused environment, injuries are more likely to be sustained. The dancers may be in the wrong space at the wrong time or move in the incorrect direction. All of this could mean that dancers collide leading to a possible bump to the head or in a severe case a concussion.
How can having confidence in yourself and others effect the dancer?
Having confidence in yourself and those dancers around you is especially important in contact and partner work. If the two dancers don’t have confidence in each other during lifts, It is more likely to cause injury to the dancers. They may fall and land on their wrist or ankle leading to a sprain of the ligaments. If you do not have confidence in yourself, you are likely to be distracted and not dance with correct technique leading to ankle sprains.
How can using positive imagery have an effect on the dancer?
Positive imagery can help dancers to focus on the times that they have been able to perform a step or sequence and remember why it worked. Therefore the dancer is more likely to replicate correct technique. Doing this can prevent injury as the dancer is aware of muscle groups and can focus on all the different elements of a step.
