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Finding Balance: Dancing Through Summer

August 15, 2012 by 4dancers

The town of Minturn, CO taken on a hike in the mountains

by Emily Kate Long

Fun & Classes 128 Partnering class at SSDI (photo credit Susan Blackburn)

As I wrap up my summer travels, I’ve been working to identify a theme for the experiences I’ve had over the past two months. It’s been a summer of learning what to do and what not to do: in the studio as a teacher and student, onstage and in the audience, and in how I interact with other people and with myself. How do I take everything in during class while holding on to what I know works? What about carving out time for physical and mental rest and recuperation? How can I be an open yet critical audience member, and how can I more easily drop personal hang-ups and anxiety to fully experience each moment of performing?

To begin with, a great aid in approaching my physical needs honestly was Dr Linda Hamilton’s most recent book, The Dancer’s Way (St Martin’s Griffin, 2008). Hard science wrapped in compassion and empathy, The Dancer’s Way was a timely reminder that I’m not the machine I’d like to believe. My body—and everyone else’s—needs what it needs, period: fuel and rest. That means sufficient calories, macronutrients, and fluids every day. It means 8-10 hours of sleep each night. It means time each week for restorative activity. It means giving muscles a chance to forget about dancing for a little while and repair themselves every few months, and then giving them enough time to return to a full rehearsal schedule. Put simply, we are people first—physical beings with physical needs that must be acknowledged and met before we can demand anything more of our bodies or minds. The Dancer’s Way is the collection of information I would have loved to have when I was a student, and I plan on sharing a lot of this information with my students.

My strategy this summer was to avoid the trouble of getting back in shape by not planning any rest. Bad move. I would have avoided serious physical and emotional burnout, along with a lot of guilt and self-judgment, if I had just built rest into my schedule to begin with! It’s still a process, but realizing my body can’t take care of itself enabled me to relish being completely immersed in dance all summer.

Being present at two summer intensives (Saratoga Summer Dance Intensive and Vail Valley Dance Intensive) as both a student and a teacher allowed me to analyze every aspect of class. It was wonderful to take multiple classes per day and test endless hypotheses on myself and on others. On an interpersonal level, I got to observe and engage in many different communication styles, classroom organization strategies, and the particular learning processes of different age groups. Being in classes of mixed ability shone light on the importance of teachers’ knowing all the building blocks and progression of technique in order to accommodate students of different levels. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 4dancers, Finding Balance, Summer Intensives Tagged With: amar ramasar, ashley boulder, balanchine, balletx, christopher Wheeldon, dr. linda hamilton, emily kate long, firebird, martha graham, matthew neenan, new york city ballet, nycb, peter martins, saratoga summer dance intensive, stravinksy, summer intensive, technique, the dancer's way, vail valley dance intensive

Positivity and Self-Awareness in Dance

June 11, 2012 by 4dancers

by Emily Zager

Emily Zager
Emily Zager

Dance encourages us to improve our bodies, tell a story, and embrace the energy in every moment.  It can enable us to grow, encourage focus, and leave our own worlds behind as we take to the classroom floor or stage.  Dance can universally improve quality of life for us, no matter our age, body type or level of technique.

As dancers, we are faced with our share of challenges that can hinder or threaten our growth in the industry as well as in ourselves.  Sometimes, these instances are out of our control.  However, these are the times it is most important to encourage our emotional and mental identities to reflect our physically strong and resilient selves.

In October 2009, I was a busy and energetic junior in college when I fell ill.  I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a disorder that causes inflammation within the small intestine and colon.  Immediately, I wondered how this unpredictable condition would alter my daily activities, as well as affect my ability to dance.  At the time, I was in the midst of obtaining my minor degree in dance, taking multiple classes and preparing for performances.

I was suddenly faced with an uncharted situation, but I refused to let my condition change me or my dancing.  In those times of uncertainty, I turned to dance even more.  I realized how important it was to embrace every movement fully in class and focus my thoughts on each moment.  On stage, there was no time for doubt, and the joy of dance overcame any pain I felt.

In times of swift change and questions, dance was the perfect outlet to improve myself inside and out.  Looking back on the past few years, I realize how fortunate I am, and it’s wonderful to feel the freedom and optimism that dance gives me.  I graduated with my degree, took advantage of many opportunities, performed for crowds of thousands and have learned to take each day at a time.

Throughout life, we face questions, setbacks, injuries and detours.  As my dancing career has developed, I have learned how important it is to keep an open mind and maintain a strong awareness with my body.

Has dance helped you get through a difficult time? We’d love to hear your story…

Contributor Emily Zager is a 24 year old dancer and account executive currently living in Milwaukee, WI.  She graduated from Loyola University Chicago and has trained in dance for over 20 years (ballet to ballroom). Nothing brings her more joy than the art of performing. She thrives off connecting with the world around her, whether in a face-to-face conversation or through social media.

Besides dance, Emily’s favorite things include traveling, sports, and spending time with friends and family.

Filed Under: 4dancers, Editorial Tagged With: crohn's disease, dance, dancers, emily zager, technique

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