As many of our students prepare for this year’s Workshop Performances, it’s more crucial than ever that they make extra efforts to take care of their health. With long days of classes and hours of added rehearsals, that is easier said than done, but everyone at the School is taking efforts to recognize this challenge and make space for wellness amidst the demands of Workshop.
In April, students gathered for a Workshop kick-off meeting with faculty and Student Life staff to reiterate the importance of taking extra care during this crucial period of the school year. Aesha Ash, Head of Artistic Health and Wellness, and Jenifer Ringer, Director of Intermediate/Advanced Divisions and Artistic Programming, explained to the students that communication is key during the rehearsal period. Keeping the faculty up to date on each dancer’s well-being is paramount to ensuring the School provides each student with individualized plans for rest, conditioning, physical therapy, and recovery should potential injuries arise. Meanwhile, Sion Harrington, Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs, reminded students to take advantage of the School’s nutritionists and mental health professionals if they find they need support or energy boosts during this intensified schedule. And he encouraged students to spend their free time wisely – engaging in activities that will help them manage the extra rehearsals and strain with more ease.
The students, in turn, have taken this advice to heart and have been rockstars of responsibility when it comes to taking initiative over their health and wellness in the lead up to Workshop. We asked a few of them to share some of the simple ways they are taking extra care and leaning into their Workshop Wellness routines. See what they had to say by reading a few of their quotes below and feel free to incorporate some of these ideas into your own busy, end-of-year schedules!
Pretty much every SAB student we spoke to admitted to upping their hours of sleep and even taking mid-day power naps when they can.
“Rest is the most effective way to stay healthy and injury-free during this busy time of year. I’m making sure I get plenty of sleep each night, and when I have a spare few hours between rehearsals, I may even take a quick power nap to help recharge.
More physical activity requires more fuel, and our students agreed that eating well is essential.
“We know it’s important to fuel our bodies always, but even more at times when we have long days of back to back rehearsals. I like to have plenty of protein at meals, and snack throughout the day, so I never am feeling low energy or under-nourished.”
Our students shared they will seek out some nature time to nourish their spirits!
“I like to head over to Central Park for a short break when I have time off. Just sitting in the shade of a tree and zoning out, watching the all people stroll by, and not looking at my phone gives me such a mental and physical boost.”
Icing tired, sore muscles can help with inflammation.
“We try to make the sometimes tedious process of icing our sore feet fun, by doing it together. We fill a few buckets with ice, plunge in our feet up to our shins, and chat about our day for ten to fifteen minutes. It’s a great way to wind down after a long day in our pointe shoes.”
The Workshop rehearsal process often gives students a new perspective on their morning technique classes and how to use that time effectively.
“Morning classes take on a whole new level of importance. It’s not only the time to warm up, but I try to think about how to prepare my body for that day’s rehearsals: What muscles should I be focusing on, what do I need to stretch, etc. This time of year, I try to take technique class with intention, and not push too hard, so I am setting myself up for a really great time in rehearsals.”
Even when the days are long and schedules are intense, laughter and staying present can help in more ways than one.
“This Workshop rehearsal process is so special and so unique, I don’t want to miss a minute of it. I think we all realize that this is an important time in our lives and I think we all try to savor it and enjoy it together. We laugh when we can, because ultimately this is fun, and when we are truly in the moment, dancing full-out, it’s always our best.”
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Workshop!
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The experience of seeing SAB's Workshop live is like no other. The bubbling energy of young dancers bringing their enthusiasm and passion for dance to the stage is electric and we photographed the rehearsals and performances - from backstage and in the house - to try to capture a bit of that magic. Join us as we recount this year's fabulous Workshop Performances through our photo galleries...
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