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Friday, May 7, 2010

Dancer's Vegan Diet

Dancers need a healthy diet full of protein, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Being a vegan has helped me change my diet to help me feel healthy and trim up. Eating a diet high is meat and dairy can be very fattening and cause you to gain unwanted fat. I cut all meat products and dairy and switched to all organic vegan foods and yes that means no butter!!! I started to have a protein shake every morning with hemp milk, steamed vegetables, beans and rice, salads, nuts of all kind (no salt!), hummus and tabouli! I started to eat foods I would not have normally chosen to eat but, began to crave them just as you would chocolate! I was an occasional drinker, but I cut alcohol from my diet compeletly since they are empty calories.

As I changed my diet, I changed physically and mentally. I began to look at food as something to nourish my body with versus the pleasure of indulging. This mentality alone has been worth every trip to the health food store and every sacrifice made. Soon after these changes were made, I began to drop the weight and finally reach my goal physic as a dancer. To be in the best shape I can of coarse but caring about what I put in my body is the most rewarding.

I know that becoming vegan is extreme for some people. The majority of Americans eat meat and have dairy on a regular basis. The problem is that it is processed and high in fat, especially at the fast food chains. However, you can make a difference in yourself even if it means you cut meat and dairy out of your diet 1 to 2 days a week. Even a small change like that can make a big difference. When it comes to being a dancer, our body is our instrument. We have to fill it with healthy nutricious foods to keep it running as long as possible. Becoming vegan has made a positive change in my life and my dance life. Dancers can be vegan! :)

Monday, May 3, 2010

Dancer's Etiquette

Dancer's Etiquette

In the dance world, there are certain rules of etiquette that should be followed to show respect in the classroom. Dancers show respect for themselves by showing respect to others. Dance class offers discipline, self improvement, and work ethic in a structured environment. The structure of dance is something that helps encourage children to work hard through positive reinforcement and goals. Below is a list of rules that need to be followed when attending a dance studio beginning to professional.

1.To be on time is to be late! If the dance class starts at 5:00 and you show up at 5:00, you are now considered late. Dancers should always arrive to class no later than 15 minutes prior to start time. This is very important so the dancer can start to warm up the body and prepare the mind for class.
2.Always wear appropriate attire. Dancers should always wear tights and a leotard regardless of the style of class. You may bring cover-ups to warm up in however, it is important to wear tights and leotard so that the teacher can see the body alignment to help the dancer use their placement to the best of their ability. Hair should be out of the face in a pony tail or bun.
3.Always enter class quietly and find a spot on the floor or at the barre and begin preparing for class. DON'T enter talking a giggling with your friends! :)
4.Always show respect for the teacher by saying thank you to corrections. Even if you think the dance teacher is “picking” on you, it is most likely because they see potential in you and want to help you get better!
5.Show respect for others and be aware of your dance space.
6.If you don't know what you are doing, get out of the front of the room, you always want to show that you are working hard, however if you are unsure move to the side so you can see who does know it and try to learn from them.
7.Never judge anyone you are dancing with. The dance studio is a non-judgmental grounds! ;)
8.Last but not least, after class you should always clap for the teacher and say thank you!!!

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