Myth: Injury = Weakness

Every physically demanding activity or "sport" has a risk of injury. Injuries can happen for a variety of reasons: overuse, poor technique, trauma.

Injuries can be humbling, scary & sometimes frustrating. Yet, in dance, we are often fearful of stopping, slowing down, or speaking up about injuries because an injury is often seen as weakness &/or setback. And while that may be TRUE to some extent, an injury is also an OPPORTUNITY.

Injuries can be our best teachers. An injury is a call to action! An opportunity to go deeper & grow as an athlete & artist. To learn more about YOUR unique instrument & create habits that nurture a well-body.

• Give your body nutritious FUEL

• Get SLEEP

• WARM up

• COOL down

• RAMP up after time off

• MAINTAIN strength/conditioning

• PRACTICE efficient alignment/good technique

• KNOW your limits

• BE smart about space & surfaces

• Don't ignore PAIN

All of these things can reduce your risk of injury. Especially for dancers experiencing FREQUENT injury. Use this list above as a barometer — rate every item, 1-5, to see where your self-care practices could improve.

Now, it's essential to understand that total prevention of injuries is unrealistic. Accidents happen! If you haven't had an injury, you should still check in on your self-care practices & build resilience in your mental/emotional toolbox so that if an injury occurs, you take heed, but don't let it overwhelm your heart.