Did you know September is National Yoga Month? I have made it my mission to do yoga every day this month, and so far I am going strong! I find it easiest to incorporate something new into my routine if you practice it at the same time everyday. I enjoy yoga at night to increase my flexibility, and it gives me a chance to hold stretches for a longer period of time than I would in a dance class. Besides flexibility there are tons of ways yoga can benefit dancers and it is a great way for dancers to cross train.
One of the amazing benefits yoga has is an increase in flexibility. I find this to be one of the most appealing parts of yoga, and why I make it my mission to fit it into my schedule. Yoga gives you an opportunity to hold a variety of stretches for a longer period of time compared to a technique class. Or you will find yourself in different stretches which are not always incorporated into a dance class making it an amazing counter stretch.
Besides holding long stretches in yoga, you will find yourself in challenging balance poses. Different from holding a releve, but also extremely effective! The variety of ways you balance can all be beneficial to the different types of balances you find yourself in when you are taking a dance class. As a dance teacher I find it beneficial to incorporate some of the poses into my modern, contemporary, and preschool acro classes!
Speaking of balance, you cannot balance for very long unless you are supporting yourself with great posture and alignment. I know all dancers know the importance of their alignment while executing challenging movement; yoga can help you to feel stable and secure. This gives you an opportunity to really strengthen your core and be able to hold your proper alignment.
Of course your muscles need oxygen to perform at their best, this is where the practice of linking breath to movement in yoga becomes so important. How many times have you been in a dance class and you forgot to breathe, or your teacher yelled at you to make sure you are breathing! In yoga you have moments of stillness to focus on your breath and then incorporate it to the flow of the movement. This awareness of your breath can directly translate to your movement in a breathy piece of contemporary choreography or the movement in a Martha Graham technique class.
Whether you are a dancer, dance teacher, or dance enthusiast you will find positive benefits in practicing yoga. There are many more links to dance and yoga, and I suggest trying yoga out so you can find your favorite benefits from it. Let me know what you notice and how it may improve your strength, flexibility, balance, and overall dancing!
Lastly, don’t forget the mental benefits yoga has! Incorporate yoga to calm your mind and body after a stressful day or performance, you won’t regret it!
