For a dancer today, it is imperative they supplement their dance training with other techniques and practises. Cross-training in this way means that their fitness is at its peak – they are not just fit for dance – and that their bodies are in the best condition possible. It is proven that alternative training methods help dancers to become better and stronger dancers, and yoga provides many of these further benefits for dancers.
As it does for everyone who practises it, yoga provides increased peace of mind and body awareness which is especially valued. For dancers this is to a greater extent than that usually achieved in terms of posture and alignment in normal dance classes. Yoga enables dancers to be mindful about their bodies, moving through positions slowly in order to identify muscles and structures. Yoga promotes correct alignment which then provides a strong foundation for the body. In dance training this increases the body’s stability and adds power to the movement’s through increased strength.
Through training, dancers tend to have a natural flexibility and strength which is then enhanced naturally through the supplement of yoga, increasing this in different ways. Many standing yoga poses develop the same muscles that are used in ballet classes, and upper body strength is increased too through positions such as downward dog. Additionally, if dancers suffer with any muscle tightness, yoga can help release those areas for a greater range of movement.
Yoga has many additional health benefits which have a wide appeal. Yoga dictates that poses and stretches are held for substantial periods of time, increasing flexibility and reducing the risk of injury due to the simultaneous build up of strength in the body. Yoga also lowers the heart rate and decreases blood pressure, working subtly in placing gentle pressure on the internal organs which has a detoxifying effect on the body. All yoga’s benefits can be applied to both everyday life and dance, whether you are looking to build strength, improve flexibility and balance, or just gain a more relaxed state of mind.