Oh, the summer holiday… It’s a bliss for the tired dancer—you sleep in, let the ballet shoes rest a while, and work on your tan, right?! Summer sure is a great time, but just as morning always comes after a great party, the performance season is bound to start again before you know it. You don’t want the first weeks of the next season to seem like the longest of your life. Dancers need to keep in shape even when they are on vacation.

The purpose of staying in shape during summer vacation is to keep your body at a level where you are able to continue your training where you left off. All dancers need a short recovery period to rejuvenate tired muscles. A week or even two is recommended, but more than that, and a dancer is sure to lose some of the technique gained during intensive study.

So how does a dancer keep in shape during summer? Be active! Summer is fantastic for all of its opportunities, one just has to use them. There is nothing that is better for a dancer’s body than to use it a little differently for a while. This is called cross training. Go hiking, play tennis, swim or bicycle – the opportunities are limitless and fun! Incorporate some exercises and stretches from your dance classes to help keep your ballet form.

Enjoy the leisurely days and late nights, but don’t forget to use that body for what it was meant to do: Move!

To help you stay active Southold will offer several drop in classes this July for students curently in Ballet III and above. Call The Southold office for specific dates and times. 574-233-9841.