Dance careers are becoming more demanding on the dancer physically, with more challenging choreography being produced to excite its audiences. The dancer is now an athlete and must train their bodies intensely for success in their practice.
Over the past decade Dance Science is becoming more appreciated and recognised as an important area within the dance and health industry. Studies have shown that the fitter and less fatigued the dancer is, the less likely they are to suffer from injury therefore resulting in a longer career as a performer.
In order to prevent injuries and to reach peak performance a dancer must assess their fitness regime, nutritional intake, rest periods, the type of physical activity they endeavour and their general everyday habits and way of living. This is all as well as regular technique classes, rehearsals and performances.
My role as a healthier dancer fitness trainer, is to advise dancers on how to do this, and to train them to be fitter and stronger for their required performance standard.
Charlotte Tomlinson MSc
