Another season's starting!

"Beginnings are scary. Endings are sad. It's what happens in the middle that counts."

I've had a wonderful summer of transitions and adventures and now it's time for another season of performing, creating, and learning to begin. The end of the summer means that a lot of fun summer props are on sale - props that can be used for helping dancers work longer and stronger. Grab deals on balls (squishy kick balls in different sizes and tennis balls) and noodles before the new season starts and the leaves begin to change.

Balls and noodles are great, inexpensive props to open up muscles and release tension. Use them to massage sore backs, shoulders, calves, quads, hamstrings, and IT bands. Place the noodle or ball on the floor and gently guide your body/ muscle/ IT band on top of it. Using the weight of your body allow your muscle to melt over the prop. Only apply as much pressure as is comfortable. Tight muscles will require less pressure. Gently roll your body over the prop to release the muscle/ tension.

Cut the noodles down into different sizes and lengths to share with other dancers and/or use for different muscles groups.

Therabands or resistance bands are wonderful for strengthening and stretching when you have some down time. They're light and portable and can be used before or after rehearsals and class.

Happy dancing!