| Rehearsing classical ballet concerts takes a lot of | | | | Long hot baths with Epsom Salts followed by icing |
| organization. Most ballet dancers get good at this | | | | sore spots will help a lot. Even ice the not-so sore |
| in their young years. If they haven't caught on to | | | | spots, the tired muscles and joints. Give them a |
| the need for methodical self-preservation in the | | | | holiday present. |
| long process of rehearsing and staging a show, | | | | Drink enough water - sip all day. Don't fill up with |
| the experience may be uncomfortable to say the | | | | those frankenstein neon so-called sports waters, |
| least. | | | | or sodas. Green juices and real fruit drinks are so |
| Starting with extra ballet wear, packing some | | | | much better, but water is best. Fruits for a snack |
| sweats to wear in long rehearsal days is a must. | | | | are great. And one of the best snacks is celery. |
| Sweaters, shawls and scarves, help a lot to keep | | | | Celery is full of the mineral salts that you lose in |
| cool drafts off neck and shoulder muscles. | | | | perspiration. Losing those mineral salts decreases |
| Leg warmers save the day to help warm up and | | | | your muscle strength and your thinking power! |
| to stay warm while waiting for your turn on | | | | Just the opposite of what you need to dance |
| stage. | | | | your best all day long. |
| In long technical rehearsals, the wait can be | | | | You must take care of minor aches and pains, to |
| exasperating while lighting cues are tested. Fatigue | | | | make sure that they remain minor. Nerves and |
| can be challenging when repeated run throughs | | | | adrenaline get you through a lot, but be careful |
| are needed for the stage crew and stage | | | | not to get drained. Your muscles and nervous |
| manager, or for dancers who are thrown into the | | | | system need real fresh foods to be replenished |
| dance at the last minute because of another's | | | | with. |
| injury, or winter sickness. | | | | The repetitive motion of rehearsing can lead to |
| Anything can happen! If your mother puts some | | | | joint pain, raw pointe shoe blisters and deep aches |
| vitamin pills at your plate, take them! Stay healthy | | | | in your muscles. Don't let these conditions dull the |
| and be smart! | | | | thrill of your Nutcracker ballet performances. |