4 Tips To Stay Healthy For Ballet Class

Ballet is hard work. Follow these 4 tips to make sure you’re performing at your optimum level.

1. Hydration

Water, water, water. Stay hydrated during all those kicks, turns, and jumps. Some metal and plastics have an aftertaste, so invest in a high-quality glass or otherwise BPA-free water bottle that you can keep by your side at the barre. Never bring a disposable bottle of water; these quickly lose their chill, and when you need to quench your thirst the most, there is nothing worse than a warm gulp of water. Can’t stand the taste of plain water? Add a pack of Emergen-C to enhance the flavor and restore your electrolytes.

2. Nutrition

You wouldn’t drive a race car without filling the gas tank would you? Neither should you ever go to class on an empty stomach! To get the most out of your workout, you’ll want to combine lean protein and carbohydrates to energize and sustain you throughout class. Try a piece of wholegrain toast with peanut butter and banana, or a small bowl of greek yogurt with berries. If by chance you weren’t able to eat a meal, keep some protein bars on hand, but be selective. Avoid bars that contain artificial or unpronounceable ingredients.

3. Germs

There’s no way to completely avoid germs, but be aware of what you touch and who you make contact with. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your dance bag, and avoid using your peers’ hairbrushes or makeup. If you tend to sweat a lot, watch that you don’t leave puddles on the floor or barre. Be careful not to leave dirty shoes or tights in your dance bag either. Stowing these items away without washing them can set up bacteria, not to mention, some serious funk.

4. Therapeutic Tools

Take care of your body with some clever tools designed for dancers and athletes alike. Stretch your feet with a colorful Theraband, or roll out cramped arches with a tennis ball. Bring a yoga mat and rest your tired limbs. While you warm up before class, make use of a foam roller; typically designed with a smooth surface, some come with deep grooves and bumps to break up more gnarly trigger points.

These are some ways to keep you healthy for class. Happy dancing!