I also came across this interesting article online from Dance informa magazine. It is an american dance magazine and this particular article talks about the stigma of weight training- why many dancers believe that this means the 'bulking up' of their muscles. It also explains how various weight training exercises can improve muscle strength and endurance. This is ultimately what dancers strive for, and their muscles need to develop all the reserves possible for the demanding tasks they put their bodies through. I personally believe that my body is in better shape in tone and strength now compared to what my body was like at Ballet school. My body back then was slim but not strong, and now through weight training, pilates and high intensity plyometric exercises (where your muscles exert maximum force in short intervals of time, with the goal of increasing power) it can endure more high impact activity without injury.
The aesthetic view of a classical ballet dancer is one which is lean, elegant and strong. However through my experience at ballet school there were so many young girls who were obsessed with the 'thin' look and their daily intake of food was dangerously low to obtain this. It also was not sufficient energy to fuel the body through it's vigorous daily routine. Inevitably their bodies did not have the reserves in their muscles to cope and they would frequently be injured.
I think this article is a real eye opener and this kind of education on how to increase body strength and endurance without 'bulking up ' would be very beneficial to dancers.
Here's the link to the article here: http://www.danceinforma.com/2015/06/04/should-dancers-do-weight-training/
Have a read and tell me what you think!
Katrina x
The aesthetic view of a classical ballet dancer is one which is lean, elegant and strong. However through my experience at ballet school there were so many young girls who were obsessed with the 'thin' look and their daily intake of food was dangerously low to obtain this. It also was not sufficient energy to fuel the body through it's vigorous daily routine. Inevitably their bodies did not have the reserves in their muscles to cope and they would frequently be injured.
I think this article is a real eye opener and this kind of education on how to increase body strength and endurance without 'bulking up ' would be very beneficial to dancers.
Here's the link to the article here: http://www.danceinforma.com/2015/06/04/should-dancers-do-weight-training/
Have a read and tell me what you think!
Katrina x
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