DeadPointeShoes Posted October 14, 2009 Report Share Posted October 14, 2009 For as long as I can remember the tension and concentration when I dance would end up effecting my neck and shoulders, and now it's really showing. My neck is ripped! The muscles bulge out in any step I do and I think it looks disgusting. Is there any way for me to get rid of the muscle build up there? Or at least some tips to help relax my upper body in class? (Sorry if this is in the wrong forum or has been asked already. I'm new at this posting thing lol) Link to comment
Redbookish Posted October 14, 2009 Report Share Posted October 14, 2009 Welcome to Ballet Talk for Dancers, Deadpointeshoes. I've moved your post from Health and Nutrition into Young Dancers (17-22) because this isa technique question, not a medical problem. Our Teacher Moderators will advise you. Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted October 14, 2009 Report Share Posted October 14, 2009 Oh my. This bulkiness is the effect of years and years of straining the upper muscles while working the legs and arms, etc. as a sort of "sympathetic vibration". It's common, and has to be consciously worked against, because what you get is an isometric building of the muscles against one another until they hypertrophy (bulge). In modern dance terms, what you need to do is isolate the muscle groups. Just because one works hard doesn't mean that any other has to work AT ALL, even! In the meantime, you can minimize the neck muscles by stretching them out during class, or even out of it. Neck rolls are unobtrusive and can be done even while sitting down. Massage may be indicated for especially hard muscles. Link to comment
DeadPointeShoes Posted October 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2009 I try to massage my neck every night before I go to bed, but I really do need to stretch it more. I'll use isolating my upper body from legs as my goal this month =) thank you! Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted October 14, 2009 Report Share Posted October 14, 2009 Self-massage is always a good thing, but in this case, I think you may want to contact a licensed massage therapist for some work, and also to show you how to do it! Link to comment
DeadPointeShoes Posted October 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2009 Yeah, there's a massage therapist that comes every week to the company I dance with. I'll ask him. Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted October 22, 2009 Administrators Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 Thank you for reading the rules, BD. Your post was removed mainly because the Young Dancer Forums are age specific, so, on this one, no one over 22. Link to comment
Clara 76 Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 DPS- It sounds to me as if you may also have an alignment issue which contributes heavily to the need to tense. See a Yoga or Pilates expert and have them check your alignment. See if they can offer you release exercises as well. Link to comment
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