They are the ones with enviable physiques - perfectly shaped bodies sans unsightly flab. They love the arc lights and come alive at the sound of music. They can command their bodies to stretch, jump and bend at will. Whether you’ve secretly envied them or openly goggled at their fitness, ever wondered how dancers and choreographers manage to stay in shape?
Imagine making a living by dancing your way through life. Sounds exciting and exhilarating. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. There is copious hard work and persistence involved to exact the body on a daily basis.
Classical and western dance practitioners, teachers and choreographers not only perform on a regular basis but choreograph sequences and tutor aspirants. Leading by example is a prerogative here.
Though dance routines contribute to general fitness, gym workouts are vital for western dance practitioners, says J.Balaji at Blaze Knights Scholastic for Fine Arts. Push-ups and light weight training are in order for the dance instructor who also combines yoga and walking in his daily regimen. “Lifting 10 kilos a hundred times works for us rather than attempting 100 kilos ten times,” says Balaji succinctly.
M. Vicky, proprietor of V. Pop Dance School concurs: “Workout for dancers differs fundamentally from exercises done by body builders. Maintaining a good physique and remaining flexible are the primary goals here.”
“The dance routines we perform integrate a high fitness quotient. Besides, it is a great relaxation for the mind,” says Balaji. But he accords top priority to stretching. “Stretching exercises are indispensable for dancers. At least 30 minutes of stretching exercises are required if you want to avoid muscle spasm and enhance your flexibility.”
On why he touts freestyle form of dance to be the best workout, Vicky says, “in salsa, your shoulders do not get much exercise and in jazz, leg movements are minimal. But freestyle exercises every part of the body.”
Both instructors stress on a balanced diet and recommend keeping alcohol and cigarettes at bay.
Classical dance practitioners, on the other hand, swear by yoga and dance exercises.
Vijaya Mukundan of ‘Salangai’, is agile like a deer at 60. “Dancing along with children and demonstrating the steps makes up for lack of other forms of exercise. Bharatanatyam workouts concentrate on individual body parts. Apart from the stomach, hip and waist, even the wrist, ankle, shoulders get ample exercise.”
Ogeswari, dance instructor at Kalai Kaviri confidently says Bharatanatyam practitioners need not look outside the dance form for workouts. “Exercises specially designed for ‘aramandi’ and ‘mulumandi’ positions ensure strengthening and better balance.”
‘Adavus’ are also recommended as ideal calorie- burning workouts. Toe-touching, hip-bending, waist twirling and acrobatics are all incorporated into pre-dance sessions.
Preferred workout: Stretching - something they cannot do without.
