Bruce Lee Wisdom

Ironically, I started belly dance classes because I was looking for a way to move and keep fit without going to the gym. In the early days I had no aspirations of becoming a professional dancer however my obsession was growing and I began to understand that in order to improve I needed to add some form of strength and mobility practice for cross-training and injury prevention.

I was also coming to the realisation that I was not getting any younger and needed to create a sustainable movement practice outside of dance to live a long and healthy life.

Yet for the first 13 years of my dance career I also had a full time job, leaving limited time for dance, let alone incorporating other fitness styles. It was certainly a challenge and it took a lot of trial and error. Gradually over the years I have developed the habit of regular movement, incorporating compact strength and flexibility sequences within my dance practice to maximise the little time I have.

Would I like to do more?
Yup.

Is it perfect?
Nope.

Yet I spent my 30s getting stronger than I was in my teens and twenties and now approaching my 43rd birthday I know I have the foundations in place for a healthy lifelong practice which will enable me to move and dance forever! (well, almost!)

How about you? Dance is a fantastic activity for both our bodies and minds! Let me know what cross-training you are doing to support your dance - to send your technique to the next level and to keep moving injury free!