Summer in the northern hemisphere can spell lots of heat for dancers, taking into account the rising temperatures of public transport and hot studios as dancers sweat their classes away. Many drop-in classes and rehearsals continue throughout these months, so – like in the cold weather – it is important to take care of the body.
In a humid studio, it can be easy to feel very warm and more flexible than usual. Take care not to overstretch or push your flexibility, as muscles can become damaged or even torn through this false sense of security. The muscles will be warmer, but this does not permanently increase their length or pliability, and it can be easy to push them too far. Keep the muscles of the body secure by balancing flexibility with strength, listen to your body and take care not to slip on any sweaty patches on the studio floor!
Ensure you drink plenty of water whilst you are dancing, as dehydration can lead to muscle stiffness. Sweating more than usual means more water is lost as the body tries to keep itself cool, so keep your water levels topped up. You can also eat certain foods to keep cool; for example, cucumbers and watermelon are hydrating due to the high water content, and will also mean you aren’t loading up on heavy foods that can make dancers feel lethargic in the heat.
Whilst class, rehearsal and performance times cannot be dictated by dancers, try to avoid midday exercise when the sun is at its hottest and highest. Cross-training is deemed extremely suitable for dancers, and there are ways to incorporate this into hot summer days, such as swimming or in the air conditioned gym. Longer days mean there is more opportunity to take advantage of these training methods, and the light makes exercising easier too!