A few weeks off

[Perfectpointe731]

I have about 3 weeks between the time my dance classes end in the spring and the start of my summer intensive. My studio offers optional classes during that time, but my mom thinks it might be a good idea for me to take those 3 weeks off. She thinks it would give my body some time to rest and rejuvinate and for my shin splints/etc. to heal. Is this is good idea or is that too long to not dance?

[christa1217]

It's definetley too long to not dance. I would give the injury a week to two weeks to heal then take the optional classes if you are feeling better. Rest is important! Summer intensives are just what they are: "intense." If you don't maintain, then there will likely be a higher risk of injury. Stretching everyday is also a very good idea, and perhaps you do need to go full out with a class everyday but at least see if you can find another studio that offers a couple classes a week after you feel better.

Edited March 4, 2006 by christa1217

[Victoria Leigh]

I agree with Christa. Take a week or so off, and then get back into classes. Three weeks off and right into an SI is not a great idea at all.

[dancinpants]

I have a similar question. I have 2 weeks of Spring Break which just started today. Right after we get back, we have classes and rehearsals. Should I some time off and then do a class everyday? I know I need a little rest because it has been an intense two months up from when we got back from the Holiday Break until now, but I also know I need to stay in shape. What should I do?

[Mel Johnson]

Unless you've got a schedule like an SI, two weeks off now really shouldn't hurt anything.

[dancinpants]

Thank you very much!

[dancerwithwings]

This has been a problem with my studio in the past. Often there would be a 3-4 week break for dancers from the end of our spring session in May, and the start of summer intensives. This year our studio is trying something new. We're being offered the option of a 2 week summer intensive prep program for the middle two weeks in June.

 

This way we have one week off at the beginning of June, and one week off until our summer session starts, as well as a lot of summer intensives. I don't know all the details, but I know there will be a technique class, a pointe class, and a variations class each day. I haven't heard of any other studios doing this, but I think it's a really good idea, and I'm glad I'm going to be able to take advantage of it.