5 Ways I Care for My Dancing Body
- Tea: I start my day (and consistently refill throughout the day) with tea. My current favorites are ginger tea (Prince of Peace) and a mix of honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon, and cayenne.
- Consistent meals: I’m learning a lot about myself and my eating habit these days. My current routine is to make sure I’m eating 3 full meals a day. A full meal for me has to have a protein item and a fruit/vegetable option. I also snack throughout the day. It sounds simple, but since I’m running and teaching 5 classes a day, it’s difficult unless I’m intentional about it.
- Movement Practice: I am constantly moving. I teach students from K-8 throughout the day, and adult classes from time to time as well, so throughout the day I’m dancing anywhere from 3-5 hours a day with students, and maybe an hour more if I’m taking a class.
- Differentiating Techniques: I try to stay flexible by continuing to study various techniques. For me, this means while I am teaching my students ballet for this semester, I’m making sure to include West African dance into my weekly movement practice. Dance is a language, and I code-switch in the dance world the same way I code-switch in the academic and professional world.
- Relaxation/Restorative Practices: I have to be very intentional about giving my body what it needs to run effectively. Along with the above, I am working through self-care through therapy weekly, and working with a chiropractor monthly. I am also incorporating more restorative yoga, soaking in epsom salts, and listening to my body.