by Madeline Schrock | Apr 3, 2017 | Cross-Training, Health & Body
Yoga has become a popular form of cross-training for ballet dancers, thanks to its stretching, strengthening and stress-relieving benefits. But it also poses challenges: How do you adapt your flexibility and turnout and shed your competitive nature to get the most out...
by Madeline Schrock | Oct 12, 2016 | Cross-Training, Health & Body
This story originally appeared in the October/November 2016 issue of Pointe. You may not understand exactly what causes a tight IT (iliotibial) band, but you’ve probably experienced that uncomfortable tension along the outside of your thigh. While it’s not...
by Madeline Schrock | Jul 31, 2016 | Cross-Training, Health & Body
This story originally appeared in the August/September 2016 issue of Pointe. Think fast: Would you like a few more degrees of turnout? If your answer is a resounding “yes” (perhaps even punctuated by a grand jeté), you’re not alone. Although natural...
by Madeline Schrock | Mar 31, 2016 | Cross-Training, Health & Body
This story originally appeared in the April/May 2016 issue of Pointe. Even after years of pointework, ankle strengthening never stops. Freshen up your warm-up routine with these three daily exercises from Leigh Heflin Ponniah, MA, MSc, from the Harkness Center for...
by Madeline Schrock | Nov 24, 2015 | Cross-Training, Health & Body
This story originally appeared in the December 2015/January 2016 issue of Pointe. Abdominal strength is essential for any ballerina. A connected core can turn an otherwise wobbly dancer with arms and legs askew into one with supported extensions and smooth movement....
by Madeline Schrock | Oct 21, 2015 | Health & Body, Nutrition
For on-the-go dancers, iron is a must. Without enough of the mineral, it can lead to fatigue and a lowered immune function. That’s why stocking your fridge with iron-rich foods is so important. Getty Images But it doesn’t stop there. You should also make...
by Madeline Schrock | Sep 30, 2015 | Cross-Training, Health & Body, Technique
This story originally appeared in the October/November 2015 issue of Pointe. When you begin your first plié combination of the day, you’re likely feeling refreshed and ready to go—not to mention standing tall with good posture. But as class goes on, and the mind...
by Madeline Schrock | Jun 16, 2015 | Cross-Training, Health & Body, Technique
This story originally appeared in the June/July 2015 issue of Pointe. Just because the majority of ballet port de bras happens to the side or front of the body doesn’t mean your back isn’t working, too. In fact, a simple sweeping of the arms from en bas...