Dancers are often compared to athletes in the sense of their aesthetic performance, however it is clear the dancing body is just that – an athlete. As an athlete that places huge demands on the body, there is often no let up for the dancer to have a break, let alone an adequate break within the working day in the studio.
Some companies like to to keep their dancers warm in an attempt to keep them injury free but of course this is not the case for all studios. Warm or not, sweat is a natural part of a dancer and athletes’ work, working their bodies for long periods of time throughout classes, auditions, rehearsals and performances. Throughout the busy day of a dancer it is important to aid your body, and to keep your body properly hydrated, replacing the water lost through sweat throughout the day.
Without keeping the body properly hydrated, even mild dehydration can affect dancers’ performance. Many people cannot tell they are dehydrated before it is too late, and many also mistake their thirst for hunger. Ensuring dancers are hydrated means they are less likely to overheat or negatively affect their performance in any way. The first signs of dehydration are fatigue and poor balance, so helping the body promote heat loss through sweat will improve athletic performance and aid in recovery, especially important for dancers performing under hot stage lights.
Water makes up approximately 60% of the body’s weight and is the largest component of the human body. Muscles are made up of around 73% water, in addition to blood being about 93% water. Not only does water stave off dehydration but it also aids digestion and is important in the transport and elimination systems of the body, a vital part of bodily functions.