Top 6 Reasons Dancers Should Practice Yoga

I talked with Sara Green, who teaches yoga and jazzercise at ATOMIC-Placentia along with Carol Haxton, about why yoga is important for dancers.

1. Balance

When it comes to physical fitness, having balance means that both sides of the body are worked equally and have equal flexibility and strength.

“Usually in dance we have certain habits that the body learns which help with dancing but may cause the body to be somewhat unbalanced,” said Sara.  Muscles that are long used in one position can become tight and movement can become limited, and this is where yoga can help.

2. Strength

Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not just about stretching.  “Although dancers tend to have great posture, yoga can also help improve core strength to help the dancer have stronger back and abdominal muscles,” said Sara.  “This, in turn, will help in all movements and protect from lower back pain or injury.”

3. Flexibility

Flexibility is the most common reason that dancers start practicing yoga.  If your muscles are tense and rigid it’s going to show up in your dancing.  Yoga can help make your dance more relaxed and fluid.

4. Yoga helps you check-in…

It’s no secret that we’re all running at the speed of light, and Sara agrees.  “Even though we all love moving our feet and hips to the rhythms of music, it’s important to slow down and take some time to listen to the body.”  Yoga can help provide that quiet space to listen to your body and make sure you’re operating in top form.

5. …and check out.

Yoga benefits the mind as well as the body.

Yoga is as good for the mind and spirit as it is for the body.  It’s a great way to refocus, to calm down, and just check-out of all the pressures of daily life for a little bit.  You’ll find that when you return to your normal activities you’ll be more focuses, more energized, and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way.

6. Yoga will keep you on your toes.

I can personally attest to this.  I’ve had a number of injuries to my feet over the years (all non-dance related) that have left my foot muscles weak and unstable.  Yoga helped me get strength, flexibility and balance back into my feet and so far, so good.  I also think that yoga helped me get through the 24 Hour Cancer Dance-a-thon injury free and shortened my recovery time.

Carol and Sara are offering a half-off special for current students and teachers of the ATOMIC Ballroom (just mention that you saw it in the blog):

Monthly EFT on Credit Card $22 for first month (normally $44)
5 Class Pass $32 (normally $64)
10 Class Pass $59 (normally $118)