| On February 15, NJDTE Level 3 students had a special masterclass with Dr. Adrienne Stevens. Dr. Stevens is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Behavioral Sciences at Columbia University in NYC. A BFA graduate of the Juilliard School, Dr. Stevens is an expert of human movement and has worked in many different environments ranging from dance companies to fitness clubs to pharmaceuticals. Dr. Stevens’ company Performing Health strives to maximize the social and emotional well-being of dancers, starting from a young age into adulthood. The NJDTE masterclass focused on the importance of warm-up, Theraband exercises for injury prevention, self-care, self-love and kindness to others, in theme with February “Month of Love”. |  Dr. Adrienne Stevens |
Level 4 dancer Abby practicing Theraband exercises
Level 3 dancers in class with Dr. Stevens
Be sure to read other tips and advice from Dr. Stevens from her blog:
DANCER LOVE
February is the month of love. What does that mean for dancers?
· Being grateful for your body and the marvelous things it can achieve
· Eating better food to build, modify, and sustain your strength
· Getting more, and better-quality sleep to repair, grow, and keep energy levels high
· Being kind not only to yourself, but to your classmates, too
· Giving your parents and teachers the respect they deserve
· Challenging your mind and learning something new NOT related to dance
So often we dancers look in the mirror and see only flaws. We don’t give enough credence to what we have and are in the process of accomplishing. This type of negative thinking creates a feedback loop that hinders growth and chips away at self-esteem. Work hard on the physical demands of dance but realize it’s a process that does not happen instantaneously. Smile, find something in your day that gives you joy, judge less, congratulate yourself for persevering, no matter the setback. You are awesome. Embrace it!
February is also heart health month. Dancer specific recommendations include:
· Quit smoking or don’t start!
· Read labels and opt for lower sugar alternatives
· Examine the type of dancing and other physical activities you do and make sure there is a balance of both aerobic and strength training involved
Read more on Performing Health and Dr. Stevens’ mission:
www.performinghealth.com
http://www.performinghealth.com/awareness-in-dance-nutrition/2018/2/6/february-is-the-month-of-love-performing-health-february-2018
Dr. Stevens will also be joining our Summer Dance Intensive faculty for 2018!
DANCER LOVE
February is the month of love. What does that mean for dancers?
· Being grateful for your body and the marvelous things it can achieve
· Eating better food to build, modify, and sustain your strength
· Getting more, and better-quality sleep to repair, grow, and keep energy levels high
· Being kind not only to yourself, but to your classmates, too
· Giving your parents and teachers the respect they deserve
· Challenging your mind and learning something new NOT related to dance
So often we dancers look in the mirror and see only flaws. We don’t give enough credence to what we have and are in the process of accomplishing. This type of negative thinking creates a feedback loop that hinders growth and chips away at self-esteem. Work hard on the physical demands of dance but realize it’s a process that does not happen instantaneously. Smile, find something in your day that gives you joy, judge less, congratulate yourself for persevering, no matter the setback. You are awesome. Embrace it!
February is also heart health month. Dancer specific recommendations include:
· Quit smoking or don’t start!
· Read labels and opt for lower sugar alternatives
· Examine the type of dancing and other physical activities you do and make sure there is a balance of both aerobic and strength training involved
Read more on Performing Health and Dr. Stevens’ mission:
www.performinghealth.com
http://www.performinghealth.com/awareness-in-dance-nutrition/2018/2/6/february-is-the-month-of-love-performing-health-february-2018
Dr. Stevens will also be joining our Summer Dance Intensive faculty for 2018!
