There is a tried and true method, that’s backed by years of research and scientific studies to help become a better dancer – but that most dance instructors don’t want you to do it.
It’s a way that you can get stronger, jump higher, and stay healthier – and despite what the dance community may say – it isn’t just spending more hours performing dance or going to a prestigious summer intensive. In fact it’s a departure away from the studio, and into the gym. This hidden secret is resistance training or as it’s conventionally known, lifting weights.
Over the past 2 decades, dance researchers have identified that despite the frequency and intensity of dance participation, dancers still show deficits in both strength and cardiovascular capacity compared to sedentary individuals.
The classic approach in the dance world is to just do more dance, more technique work, and spend more time in the studio. Maybe you do some “conditioning” at the end of class where you throw on some bands, do some clamshells, maybe some plies and planks and call it “injury prevention” or “strength training.”
The problem with the above approach is that we’re just doing more of the same – more dance, more bodyweight activities – and further pushing into overtraining or burnout.
Instead, we need to challenge the hundreds of years of tradition with modern sports science. We need to train like athletes. That means developing proficiency with weight training and cardiovascular activity. It won’t make you bulky. It won’t take away from your art form. It will lead to increased performance, increased confidence and improved health.
If you’re interested in learning more about performance training for dancers – reach out to us at PRO where we can connect you with our performing arts specialized coaches and clinicians.