Hi Mago, and welcome!
I'm a nurse with a background in rehabilitation, I also exercise to support an overall healthy lifestyle and support my art. I do agree with your premise in constructing a personalized program that has specific goals toward dance.
I think core stability and strength is very important as most of the moves are centered in the torso. Creating an awareness of the body is crucial for a dancer to maintain intergrity and prevent injuries. This may be why Yoga and Pilates are preferred over other forms of exercise.
Cardio plus breath control can provide the endurance needed for the dance especially within the professional arena. Strength training should focus on specific areas that increase clarity of movement..such as floor work which requires strong legs coupled with a stable core. or manging something as lightweight as a veil..which requires a geat deal of upper body stength. if you don't believe me..walk around with chiffon holding your arms aloft for 10 minutes and you'll know what I mean.
Shimmies on the other hand require a complex combination of being relaxed but also in control of the movement. In other words..being relaxed is the key, tension and overdeveloped muscles can block some vibrational movements.
Yet the grace and flow of any dancer comes from flexibility..again this points toward exercises such as Yoga and Pilates(when done safely) These exercise develop tone and condtion within the body as well as develop a great sense of mental and emotional well-being. When combined together, they will present a visual appeal regardless of one's size or shape.
Yasmine
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