Ginger Rogers may have done everything Fred Astaire did “but backwards, and in high heels”, but how high is ‘high’, and what type of heel was she wearing? Slim, square, flared, Cuban, heavy, fine… if there’s one thing that the dance world does not lack, it’s a fabulous choice of heel varieties. If you’d like

So far in the nutritional series, we have looked at the role of hydration and protein in maintaining energy and fitness. This week, we’re entering controversial territory. Often vilified and maligned, today we’re looking at the deeply misunderstood world of the carbohydrate. Love them or hate them, carbs are crucial for professional dancers. Let’s see

Some people enjoy it. Some people loathe it. Everybody, we are told, ought to be doing more of it. If you’re a dancer, the chances are that you’re already well ahead of the national average for cardiovascular fitness. But how much should you be doing in a pair of Latin heels, and how much on

A famous dance proverb states: “good dancers are made, not born”. Yet the ‘making’ of a dancer involves a combination of many different elements, such as practice, technique, nutrition, and exercise. In our last exercise blog, we discussed how swimming is excellent for both cardiovascular health and a low-strain full-body workout. Today, we look at

Dance shoes will inevitably collect dust and floor wax. Unfortunately most dance shoes aren’t suitable for the washer or dryer. You should clean your shoes after every performance, or at least once a week to prolong their lifespan. You should also invest in a good quality shoe brush and chamois leather polish cloth.

With 26 bones and 26 joints, feet are a complex business! When the feet are growing – which can take up to twenty years – the need for care is especially important. Children love to dance, and dancing is an exercise that boasts a range of benefits. From good posture to social interaction, dancing can

In our last nutritional article, we looked at the vital role that water plays in a dancer’s body. We discussed how water is required for muscle repair and energy, and looked at the general importance of hydration. Today, we turn to a topic that many people find a little bit baffling: protein. We hear about

In the world of competitive dance, there are two sides of the stage. On the one hand, taking on an old classic and giving it a new twist. On the other, throwing convention out of the window and creating a new experience.

Should you be doing extra exercises to help you exercise? It may sound like a strange question, but working the body in a variety of ways can help to improve balance, strengthen the core, and enhance performance. This is something that dancers tend to take very seriously. Like any sport, we all know that dancing

Have you ever considered the importance of nutritional balance for your dance performance? The Internet is full of contrasting information about what we should and should not eat. It can be confusing and overwhelming. However, when it comes to dancers, there are countless academic studies that prove that hydration, protein, calcium, iron, and carbohydrates are