Warm Up

Warm-up

Every dancer requires a warm-up in order to be prepared physically and mentally for the class, rehearsal, or performance. The need for this preparation should be instilled from an early age. Muscles require an increase in circulation of blood and therefore a rise in temperature to contract and stretch more efficiently and with increased speed. Joints also benefit from a rise in temperature and articulate more smoothly, the nervous system functions more efficiently, improving coordination and speed. The colder  the climate the longer the warm-up.

However one of the most important aspects of this preparation is psychological, concentrating the mind. Both physically and mentally the prior warm-up allows the body to function with ease from the first exercise in class and is instrumental in preventing injury. The form of the warm-up should cover each major muscle group stretching and contracting with the joints passing through the greater part of their range of movement.

Source : THE FOUNDATIONS OF CLASSICAL BALLET TECHNIQUE ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE

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