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Body, mind, and spirit ~ The phrase is so familiar, but how does it apply when you twist your ankle on the day before the show? How do you treat it? What are the available resources, and most importantly, what do you know about cause and effect, treatment and recovery time, and the effects of the pressure of that performance tomorrow?
Most dancers are aware of the many aspects of healthy living -- nutritional values, the necessity for emotional and financial stability (and the resources for help when needed), the importance of personal and professional mentoring or support systems, and (closer to that ankle) the medical and alternative therapies that work for you. But what is still needed by many dancers is an awareness that proper warm-up and regular class attendance upon completion of their formal training is one of the most essential parts of health care and the prevention of injury.
We also have more access than ever to the treasure of multi-cultural health traditions -- Chinese herbalism, shiatsu massage, Native healing techniques and a myriad of other options. Awareness has also grown of the artist's relationship to society and the effect their place in that society has on their health. But awareness is only the beginning.
Finding the right combination of treatments is a delicate balancing act. Accessibility, affordability, and good, knowledgeable health care are rarely found together. Add to that the pressure of needing to perform, and the challenge becomes even greater.
What can be done? First, learn as much as you can about what works best for you. Take the time to investigate, ask questions, and try different methods before settling for anything. This process cannot happen sensibly in a crisis situation. Prepare beforehand. Secondly, have an amount in your budget for health care. Make it a priority.
As a dancer, your body is your instrument! It must be your priority. We have come a long way in understanding the necessity for a holistic approach. You are the best judge of how serious your injury is. Never take risks with your future -- there will always be another performance. Another ankle is more difficult!
FACT
Twenty-two Toronto-based artists from all disciplines in conjunction with medical and complementary health care practitioners and corporate leaders have recognized the need for integrated, informed health care sensitive to artists and their lifestyles. Their work produced the future Artists' Health Centre to open at the Toronto Western Hospital in 2001/02.
Article originally contributed by Joysanne Sidimus
LINKS:
Dancer Transition Resource Centre
www.dtrc.ca
The Al & Malka Green Artists' Health Centre
www.ahcf.ca/centre.shtml
RESOURCES:
A Dancers' Charter for Health and Welfare. Dance UK The National Forum for Dance: England, 1992.
Available at DUO Library
Foley, Mark. Dance Floors. Dance UK: England, 1998.
Available at DUO Library
The Dance Current (for subscriptions)
E-mail: thedancecurrent@interlog.com
Available at DUO Library
"The Healthier Dancer", Dance UK News
E-mail: danceuk@easynet.co.uk
Available at DUO Library
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