balletboyrhys Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 I attend a university as a dance major and was recently I was cast in the Lark Ascending, an Alvin Ailey ballet that is to be performed in our fall dance concert. For the past week and a half we've had four hour rehearsals every night. While i love the movement and find the experience to be very rewarding, I've been so sore that it's hard for me to keep up in my technique classes. On top of the four hour rehearsals, I take one ballet class every day and modern, composition, pas de deux and a full academic course load. On top of that, last week I was also performing a pas de deux that i choreographed every day during a matinee performance. I've been so exhausted and sore that I'm struggling just to keep up in class, instead of focusing on improving. It seems that almost every aspect of my classwork has suffered. Should I just wait for my body to adapt to this way of working, or should I be doing something else to compensate for the extra dancing? Any tips or advice would be much appreciated! Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted October 8, 2008 Administrators Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 It sounds to me like you need a couple of days off! But seriously, when you become that tired it starts to become dangerous. Back off a bit. Cut something out, even if it has to be class. Do a barre before rehearsal, but sit out the class. Injury looms when you push too far. Link to comment
Tutulicous Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 Wow, that really is a heavy schedule! Good luck, I hope you mannage. Link to comment
balletboyrhys Posted October 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 Unfortunately, I dont really have the option of missing any technique classes. Since it's a university program there are very strict attendance policies. We're only allowed to miss 3 technique classes a semester, so we all tend to save our absences for when we're sick or something. Luckily, there's a four day weekend coming up so i'll have some time to rest. Would it be a good idea to take some advil or something before my technique classes? I usually feel fine to dance in my rehearsals at night, but waking up in the morning and going to 9am ballet is the worst! Im always extra sore in the mornings and it's been tough to work with. Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 That's a good question - I don't know if NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) will work in a prophylactic way with regard to pain. If you have pain left over from the day before, they should work fine. Give it time to kick in before class. Maybe I'll give the med mods a jingle and have them comment on this practice. Link to comment
Taradriver Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 You could take some ibuprofen 60-90 minutes before class, but do not take it - or any other NSAID- on an empty stomach. It doesn't have to be a full meal, just a light snack in the stomach is ok. You don't want to be on NSAIDs for a long time, this is only a temporary fix and recommended for a few days only. That said, pay a visit to Student Health Services or your family doctor ASAP, just to rule out anything else that could be causing your symptoms. Feel better soon. Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted October 10, 2008 Administrators Report Share Posted October 10, 2008 Sorry, it's the mom, but this is a YD forum. Students and moderators only! Link to comment
Recommended Posts