Benefits to Getting Children in Ballet

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is important to encourage your children to be active. Regular exercise helps children stay physically fit, sleep better and handle the stresses life throws at them. Kids who are active have stronger bones and muscles, are less likely to become overweight and keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT encourages her patients of all ages to stay active and for children, ballet is a great option. Research has shown that a 90 lb child can burn 200 calories in a dance class.

For children who may want to avoid some of the more the more intense or high impact sports such as football or soccer, ballet is an excellent option. This style of dance requires the use of the muscles in the entire body and helps improve stamina, strength and flexibility. Aside from being a great cardiovascular workout, ballet helps to improve posture and coordination as well.

There are some more hidden benefits as well when it comes to the benefits of children being in ballet. Having to remember routines helps build memory skills and the training required instills discipline. It is a social activity, which can build confidence as children improve over time and make new friendships. In ballet, children are also exposed to various styles of music, art and performance.

Dance can put extra stress on feet and ankles so if your child is involved in dance, have their foot health assessed by Dr. Boucher. Prevention is key and she can identify any potential problem areas. Make an appointment by calling our office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

Related articles

• The Best Exercises for Ballet Dancers
• Line Dancing for the Country at Heart
• Staying Fit in Winter - Dangers in the Gym

Can Martial Arts Help Your Dancing?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For dancers, it is important to continually be improving strength, endurance and flexibility. If you are a dancer, taking a martial arts class can help your body and your dancing as some of the movements in martial arts mirror dance.

There is much in dancing that has to do with the correct alignment and control of your body. The same is true with the movements performed in martial arts. In both activities, you have to be very aware of the positions of your body and perform controlled movements. They complement each other and taking a martial arts class can improve your focus in these areas.

Balance is a very important part of martial arts with the poses and movements that are performed. It is also an essential element of dance as dancers often on one leg, landing on one or both feet and spinning and turning etc. Balance is very important in partner work as well to be able to support and guide a partner properly and securely throughout a dance. The balance skills worked on in martial arts would definitely cross over into dance as well.

Tai Chi is a form of martial arts that can also be beneficial for a dancer. Its slow movements that strengthen and stretch muscles and joints are safe and would be beneficial for a dancer to practice.

Some martial arts can be intense and stressful on the body, so it is important for a dancer to choose classes that truly complement their dance style and that are safe for his or her body and feet. If you have any questions about foot safety or sustain an injury in a dance or martial arts class, do not hesitate to seek treatment. Call Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden. CT at (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

Related articles

• Martial Arts Inspires Folks Around the Valley
• The Art of Body Movement
• Martial Trek