#dancept

Tips for summer intensives: Tip #1 Pack this before you go

Dancers, Headed out for a summer intensive? Whether it is a few days or a few weeks, be sure to pack these items now! Freezer proof zip locks. Tendons and muscles often become inflamed with new activity. Your first line of defense is taking the zip lock to the ice machine, coffee shop, or cafe. Fill it with ice and put it on the sore area for 10-15 minutes. A lacrosse/release ball. Feet are the…

Dance Team Tryout Tip #5: How to Help Your Friends #mndancenews #DancePT

Dancers, yesterday we discussed how to ask for effective feedback. Now, let’s look at how to help provide that feedback. Make feedback constructive. This means that whatever you are asking should be within your friend’s capabilities. Focus on what you observe without preconceived notions about how you might perform the routine differently. Ask your friend what they would specifically like…

Dance Team Tryouts Prep Tip #4: How to Ask Friends for Feedback #mndancenews #DancePT

Dancers, as you prepare for dance team tryouts recruit some friends! First, pick a routine, a skill, a combination, or a few counts of 8 to practice. Now, here are a few tips on how you can ask your friends to provide effective feedback: Ask which of your strengths really stand out. Is it your smile? Is your pointy feet? Once you know what others see as your strengths, make sure the judges see…

Dance Team Audition Prep Tips: 5 Presentation Tips #mndancenews #DancePT

We’ve discussed how to learn about the audience and how to learn about yourself. Now, let’s discuss how to present yourself on audition day. Here’s a checklist in preparation: Does the team have a required dress code for auditions? Be sure to wear what is asked. Did the team specify your hairstyle? Practice dancing in this style prior to the audition. Open your mindset to a learning experience.…

How to make the dance team off season amazing #mndancenews #DancePT

Dancers and coaches, congratulations on another spectacular season! In any judged event, the final placings and scores can influence our thoughts. Take a moment to ask yourself what you are thinking right now. Give your thoughts a name. Acknowledge the feeling that goes with them. Now, how will these thoughts guide your next actions as a dancer? More importantly, how will you take these thoughts…

3 Days Until Dance Team State: Mindset is Everything! Positive Team Environment Tips #mndancenews #DancePT

Dancers and Coaches, Who’s inspired you in life? Why? What did they say? How did they say it? Now, ask yourself if the voices in your head are inspirational in this way? As dancers, we want to do well. We want to please coaches, teammates, family, and friends. If we can add positive self talk and inspiration, our chances of a great performance are greatly enhanced! How?  When you are practicing…

7 Days Until Dance Team State: How Much Water Does a Dancer Need? #mndancenews #DancePT

Dancers, Are you competing at sections this weekend, and perhaps having extra practices as well? Did you know that even 2% dehydration impairs performance? How much water do you need? Women generally need 2.7 L /day on average. That does not account for extra water needed to support practice and exercise. How much water do you need before practice? 2 hours prior: 14-20 oz 15 min prior: up to 16…

11 Days Until Dance Team State: 5 Tips for Your Next Grocery Trip #mndancenews #DancePT #nutritionfordancers

Parents and dancers, less than two weeks until state! Why are we talking about your grocery cart now? Mostly because peak performance is fueled by a solid recovery and nutrition plan. Professional performers know to practice proper recovery and nutrition at least a few weeks prior to a performance. We want to avoid trying new foods or strategies within a week of state. What’s in your cart? Try to…