Fred Astaire Dance Studios can teach you some simple steps to help you reduce the risk of injury while dancing.
Ballroom dancing helps people develop lifelong friendships, promotes community, and can boost mood. It’s also a great way to burn calories, increase flexibility, and improve balance. Tripping the light fantastic is a fun way to stay in shape and socialize.
It’s important to remember that ballroom dance classes are a low-impact workout, and just like any sport, each participant should take steps to ensure they don’t get injured during their lesson. Most dance injuries fall into the category of “over-use” injuries and are more likely to occur among professional dancers. Common injuries are ankle sprains, shin splints, and back strain, according to John Hopkins Medicine. Staying safe on the dance floor will allow you to stay active and continue to build your skills.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios recommends taking a few steps to reduce the risk of injury while dancing
Wear the Right Shoes. Pay special attention to the shoes you wear to your first lesson. Your feet need proper support for an injury-free lesson, and the shoes you pick can help determine your movement and flexibility. Fred Astaire Dance Studios recommends women wear ballet flats or a low pump. Men should don loafers or oxfords. Make sure to avoid shoes with rubber soles that could hamper traction and interfere with sliding or twirling. If you are wearing slip-on shoes, pick a pair that fits securely and won’t fall off during your lesson.
Dress to Impress. Dressing properly for your dance lesson can help make all the difference. Comfort is essential. Make sure your clothing fits properly and will not interfere with your movement. Dressing in layers is key as it’s likely you will work up a sweat at your lesson.
Stretch Before Each Lesson. Stretching helps warm-up muscles and gets your body ready to groove. Every dance lesson at Fred Astaire Dance Studios begins with a stretching routine. Stretching helps improve range of motion, gets the blood pumping, and can reduce tension. Your instructor will help you learn some of the best stretches to help get you limber before your lesson.
Hydrate and Eat Right. Staying well hydrated will reduce the chances of overheating and can improve your performance. Eating a balanced diet will give you the energy you need to keep your toes tapping.
Take it Easy.
If you are icing a knee or nursing a strain, turn on the television and get inspired by watching one of the many movies that showcase athletes overcoming adversity to earn top marks.
Cool Runnings. Inspired by the Jamaican bobsled team who competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics, the comedy details the team’s unlikely journey to earn a spot with elite competitors.
The Mighty Ducks. A ragtag group of young hockey players gains inspiration from a new coach in this family-friendly movie.
Rocky. No list of movies about athletes who overcame adversity would be complete without this classic tale of a small-town boxer trying to become a heavyweight world champion.
Enjoy Dancing at FADS
Fred Astaire Dance Studios helps our students empower themselves physically and enrich their mental health. We offer group and private lessons in the time-honored tradition of ballroom dancing at our local studios. Ballroom dancing can help you discover a new world of confidence, health, and energy. Our instructors teach both international and American ballroom dance styles, including salsa, jive, tango, and waltz. Students can choose a high-energy number to improve physical fitness or take it slow with an elegant option.
Get ready to take the dance floor by storm. Being prepared for your dance lesson will help you hone your skills and prevent a pesky injury from cropping up. Contact your local Fred Astaire Dance Studios location to sign up for a lesson and learn what to expect when you arrive.
