As April dawns upon us, it’s not just the blooming flowers and warmer weather that take center stage. This month is a celebration of awareness and appreciation for various facets of our lives, from our mental and physical well-being to our connection with the environment and the companionship of our beloved pets.
As we embark on National Stress Awareness Month and Foot Health Awareness Month, it’s essential to recognize the interconnectedness of our bodies and minds. Our feet, often overlooked yet crucial in grounding us, deserve special attention as we navigate the dance of life. But let’s not forget our furry friends, for April also marks Pets Are Wonderful Month, culminating in National Pet Day on the 11th and National Kids and Pets Day on the 26th, reminding us of the joy and comfort they bring into our lives (Be on the lookout for an Instagram photo challenge!).
April isn’t just about self-care and companionship; it’s also a time to celebrate inclusivity and history. Deaf History Month, observed from March 13th to April 15th, honors the contributions and achievements of the d/Deaf community, culminating in ASL Day on the 15th, a reminder of the richness of sign language and the importance of communication.
And what better way to connect with ourselves and the world around us than through movement and mindfulness? Kid’s Yoga Day on April 14th encourages children and adults alike to stretch, breathe, and find inner peace. As we move and breathe, let’s not forget the rhythm and grace of National Dance Week, spanning from the 19th to the 28th, celebrating the artistry and expression of dance.
Finally, amidst our celebrations and reflections, let’s not overlook our shared home, Planet Earth. Earth Day on April 22nd reminds us of our responsibility to nurture and protect our environment, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
So as April unfolds its tapestry of awareness and celebration, let’s pause, breathe, and embrace the interconnectedness of our well-being, our relationships, and our planet. Check out our curated resources below and tap in with us on social media (@RahwayDanceTheatreCo) as we celebrate being well-rounded, holistic dancers!
Self-Assessment by The American Institute of Stress
Stress comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes, differs for each of us, we all respond to stress in diverse ways, acute and chronic stress have different effects, and the separation between them is often blurred. These and demographic influences make it difficult for scientists to agree on a definition of stress, much less measure it. There are hundreds of stress questionnaires, ranging from the Social Readjustment Rating Scale for periodic major life change events published by Holmes and Rahe over 40 years ago (with numerous revisions since then), to the Daily Hassles Scale that lists minor annoyances like fights with customers and family or being stuck in traffic that can occur several times a day. Others, like the Perceived Stress Scale and Profile of Mood States, assess the effects of stress or are designed specifically for job stress, women, children, teenagers, the elderly, Type A behavior, depression, anger, anxiety etc. Many researchers and others have constructed stress quizzes, some of which are self-serving and very few if any have been validated, so their value is questionable.
https://www.stress.org/self-assessment
Sleep Calculator: Your Personalized Tool for Sleep
Sleep is a critical pillar of health. The quality of your sleep impacts core metabolic functions like immunity, cardiovascular health, and cognition. Use the sleep calculator to develop an optimal sleep schedule based on your unique biology and lifestyle preferences, including your age and either your bedtime or wake-up time. The sleep calculator is simple to use and ensures your schedule allows ample time for rest.
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-calculator
Foot-Strengthening Exercises SOOO Easy You Can Do a Few While Brushing Your Teeth by Andrea Marks
The blog post discusses the importance of foot health for dancers and provides tips on how to maintain strong and flexible feet while avoiding common injuries. Chiropractor Rachel Loeb highlights the tendency of dancers to prioritize aesthetics over foot health, leading to issues like stress fractures and bunions. She emphasizes the significance of proper technique and suggests exercises to improve foot strength and flexibility. These exercises include working on flexing as well as pointing the feet, strengthening the ankles, and focusing on proper alignment and relaxation while dancing. Additionally, the post offers advice on selecting supportive footwear to promote foot health outside of dance practice.
https://dance-teacher.com/best-feet/
Mental Health for Dancers in the Competitive Space by Danscend
This article delves into the competitive side of dance, which differs from traditional sports due to its subjective evaluation. While sports rely on objective measures, dance is judged based on personal interpretation, leading to a competitive atmosphere within the community. It explores the psychological aspects of competition, noting how people naturally compare themselves to others. The article stresses the importance of finding motivation from within rather than seeking validation from external sources. It provides practical advice for creating a supportive dance environment and encourages celebrating individuality and personal growth. Ultimately, the article advocates for fostering an inclusive and positive community where dancers feel valued and supported both on and off the stage.
https://danscend.teachable.com/p/dancer-mental-health-blog?p=mental-health-for-dancers-in-competitive-dance
ASL For Dancers
Ms. Kristine’s dedication to inclusivity shines brightly as she incorporates her expertise in Deaf Studies into her Pre-Dance classes. Utilizing her second language, she seamlessly weaves in sign language alongside French ballet terminology, enriching the learning experience for all of her students. As they practice proper backstage etiquette in preparation for the annual showcase on June 9, 2024, held at Wilkins Theatre, Kean University, her students not only hone their dance skills but also embrace diversity. Ms. Kristine’s innovative approach fosters a supportive environment where every dancer can thrive and express themselves fully.
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