Seeking Advice

[Barrix]

Hello, I'm a new member on this site. I joined to seek advice from some dancers on a subject that I'm positive you know about. It's a topic that I'm positive you've had to respond to before, and I apologize for the repeat. I also apologize for wasting your time if you can't help me.

Back in 2nd grade I used to do some sort of dance class (it has been so long that I can't remember what exactly I was doing). After doing a performance that I worked so hard to learn with a shattered elbow, I decided to take a break and let my arm heal completely. I never got the chance to get back into dance and I really want to be a part of the dance world again. My cousin and nieces do a type of dance and I miss doing it.

The problem is that over the years I've allowed myself to get unhealthy and somewhat fat. I know that you're not a fitness instructor, but I'd really like to ask you for some advice on how to get fit for dancing once again. What would you suggest? If you suggest that I start to diet and exercise, can you please explain further (I'm positive that you will)? Also, my upper body strength has been greatly weakened due to the injury. I didn't really do any exercise to gain back the strength besides a little bit of therapy back then. Is there anything you would recommend to gain that upper body strength again?

 

[suburbaknght]

This is a trap. Saying, "I'll start dancing again once I get fit," provides an excuse to not to start dancing. Trying to identify the perfect way to get fit provides an additional buffer excuse so that getting fit becomes just as unlikely. Don't worry about getting things perfect, just start something.

1) Sign up for a dance class. Dancing itself will help you get fit. You can get fitter as you need to but don't wait to start the dance classes. Before you read any farther in this post do a Google search for dance classes in your area and put time in your calendar to go visit one.

2) Start working out right now. Seriously, right this minute. Get down and do 5 sit ups. If your injuries don't allow that do a set of stretches. Do something. You can find the best plan later but it's better to do something even if it's not perfect then nothing while you try to find perfection (so long as you don't injure yourself).

 

[drejenpha]

Welcome to DF!

I agree with suburba with the addition of go see a physician before you start anything major. Make sure that what you're going to do is safe for you, know what you can and can't do at present... aggravating old injuries is a great way to get seriously hurt.

 

[mjnemeth]

Welcome to DF!

I agree with suburba with the addition of go see a physician before you start anything major. Make sure that what you're going to do is safe for you, know what you can and can't do at present... aggravating old injuries is a great way to get seriously hurt.

I agree with posters both above . Its really good point about the old injuries.
I see you're a high school student. What do your parent think about this?
But just because you're carrying extra weigh does mean you cann't become a great dance.
Google john lindo to see what I mean.

Nice to see a young person getting in to dancing!

 

[danceronice]

See a doctor. And a PT. Especially if you've smashed your elbow in the past and want to do upper body work. Especially if you're a teenager. Your growth plates aren't closed and you can screw yourself up for life doing the wrong sort of exercise on an old injury.

 

[ktia85]

Hi Barrix!

First off I agree with the other posters here. When I first started dancing 2 yrs ago I was at my heaviest ever! I started dancing a few days week and within 9 months I had lost 40lbs! I did a little extra exercise outside of dancing especially on my upper body. I watched what I ate, and limited myself to the amount of times I ate out per week, before long I started noticing the scales dropping. The biggest thing that I started doing was watching my portions. Instead of using a big plate at meals I would use a small salad plate or kids size plate. This really helped with my portion control and I resisted going back for seconds.

Anyway! I hope this helps and Good Luck!!

 

[Barrix]

Thank you everyone for the great advice. My dad has wanted me to get back into things that I used to do for a long time. I had to quit many things because of the injury that I had (swimming, etc). I told him last night that I was interested in getting back into dance and he seemed very happy about it. As for my mom, I'm not sure. My parents are rarely home (I have other sources of getting around) because of the hours they work and my mom usually gets home around 1 AM and I'm already asleep. I think that she would be happy like my dad because last time I checked she wanted me to get into something again as well. I should go and see a physician when I get started because I remember the doctors saying that I did hurt my growth plate when I shattered my elbow. I think that it would be smart to do so.

 

[Steve Pastor]

Hi, Barrix. Good to hear that you want to become physically active again.
A very close friend of mine had been into soccer for years, and wisely quit after the second surery on her knees. As time went by her stress level went up, and she began having trouble sleeping. Finally, (and hopefully at least in part from me constantly reminding her how good exercise is for us) she started Zumba. She is so much happier now, is sleeping, and even looks like she has more energy.

I've always been a runner, and only recently began paying more attention to my upper body. One very simple thing I do is to never walk through an automatic door if there is one I can open myself. And I try to "pull" or "push" with my muscles, rather than using my body weight (ie holding on and "leaning" away or towards to generate force) And, I am using my non dominant left hand/arm more, too, to add strength to it. I also added push ups - plain old fashion push ups - to my work out.

We had a member here (he passed away last year) whose real name was Joe Lanza. He posted here as Black Sheep and Uncle Joe. (Sort of a cantankorous guy at times!) Joe danced in the 1950s films "Rock Around the Clock" and "Don't Knock the Rock," and had other dance credentials as well. When rehearsing a move at one point (he did quite acrobatic stuff) he slipped and messed up his elbow. Sounds familiar?
Anyhow, that led him to get into Jazz dance, which was then pretty much still developing.

I've always felt that the pc dance games would be fun. And now I see they have one for country! but would rather go out and be with people. Some people argue that they don't really teach you to dance, but they get you moving!

Can't tell exactly how old you are, but if you do start using your upper body more (most dance forms don't use the upper body excessivley (not counting African here!) pay lots of attention to that elbow. If you have any pain or discomfort, DO see a doctor. And seeing one ahead of time is an even better idea.

Sounds like you have the right idea(s), so now you have to do it.

 

[Barrix]

I got the chance to talk to my mom 45 minutes before she had to go to work and she seemed interested. She told me that 6 months after the injury to my arm happened the doctors checked it and said that it was alright for me to do dance, I guess I didn't remember because I was so little. I still want to see a doctor to make sure that nothing has changed, though. Thank you Steve for your advice. I have to start searching around for a place to get back into dance before I get started (lol).