Advice For Dancers - Brief Article

Dance Magazine, August, 2001 by Linda Hamilton

AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT FORDHAM UNIVERSITY, LINDA HAMILTON, PH.D., IS ALSO A PSYCHOLOGIST IN PRIVATE PRACTICE, A FORMER DANCER WITH NEW YORK CITY BALLET, AND AUTHOR OF ADVICE FOR DANCERS (JOSSEY-BASS).

Do you know of any programs where I could learn to teach deaf children how to dance? I've taken some classes in American Sign Language (ASL) at a community college near me and would love to combine it with my background in dance.

Laura Soloman

You're in luck! Every summer the National Dance Institute--a nonprofit arts education organization founded by former NYCB principal dancer Jacques d'Amboise--offers an intensive two-week training program for teachers. During this time, you'll learn NDI's technique for setting high but attainable dance goals for all children, including students who are deaf, blind, and physically challenged. NDI also offers a one-year internship, with free ASL courses for those who wish to teach pupils who are hearing impaired. For more information, contact NDI Artistic Director Ellen Weinstein at 594 Broadway, Room 805, New York, New York 10012; 212/226-0083.

I am an aspiring professional dancer with a severe case of scoliosis. Will dance companies take one look at my beck and deny me a job? It would boost my confidence if I could talk to some professionals who've managed to have a career despite this problem.

Julia From Cleveland, Ohio

I can't give out any names. But I do know of several ballerinas with severe scoliosis and many more professional dancers with mild curves and highly successful careers. So, unless your curvature interferes with your technique, it shouldn't hurt your job prospects. The real question is, why is scoliosis so common in dancers?

According to our research, one out of four dancers develops minor curves--not only because of genes, which account for the most severe cases, but also because of the intense exercise that often delays menarche, giving the deformity more time to develop because the spine is still growing. The good news is that dancing will also strengthen your back and maintain flexibility, which is particularly important in severe cases like yours. Still, you need to see a scoliosis specialist to offset any health problems down the road.

I know this isn't your typical problem, but I need to gain weight. I'm a six-foot-tall male dancer who weighs close to 140 pounds. Nothing seems to make me bulk up, and I'm worried that being so thin is keeping me from the final cut in auditions.

Concerned Male Dancer

The fact is it's just as hard to gain as it is to lose when it comes to changing your natural weight. While this may comfort dancers who indulge in an extra dessert now and then, it can be a real problem for exceptionally thin dancers who want to project a stronger look. My advice is to get a medical checkup to rule out any health problems associated with low weight, such as an overactive thyroid. Then pay a visit to a nutritionist. Dancers who wish to gain weight may need to eat as much as 3,000 calories a day.

Help, I'm pregnant! Abortion is not an option; I'm carrying the child to birth. But I'm so scared my body will turn into a Jell-O mold. Plus, I just got hired as a dance instructor and I really need the job. Can I teach? How do I stay slim? Any tips for pregnant dancers?

Pregnant & Panicked in Seattle

I'm sorry you're so scared. Pregnancy is supposed to be a time of great joy. However, you sound like you were caught off guard. If you plan to raise the child, you'll need the support of your family. If on the other hand, you're literally keeping the child only till birth, I assume you've settled on adoption. In this case, be aware that many adoption agencies offer a variety of services for expectant mothers.

As for staying in shape, the most important step is to speak to your obstetrician, who will advise you about how much weight to gain for your body type. Your doctor can also tell you about guidelines for exercise issued by the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology. While many dancers teach and take class throughout pregnancy, each case is different. For example, Marika Molnar, P.T., the director of Westside Dance Physical Therapy in New York City, finds that some dancers need to eliminate jumps in their second month of pregnancy, whereas others can continue jumping until their fourth month. Your size will also dictate when it's time to cut out toe work, as your balance begins to change. To find out more about working out, check out Fit and Pregnant: The Pregnant Woman's Guide to Exercise by Joan Marie Butler, RNC, CNM, who is a nationally ranked athlete and experienced nurse practitioner and midwife (Acorn Publishing, 1995; ISBN 0-937921-55-6; $16.00).

After years of being my own worst enemy, I finally stopped boating myself up with the help of a therapist. I wish more dancers would take it easier on themselves instead of finding fault with everything they do. Dancing would be a lot more fun.

Rosie From New York City

I couldn't agree with you more. Self-criticism needs to be constructive, otherwise you'll undermine your confidence. The bottom line: If you wouldn't tell your best friend that she just did a horrible pirouette or her turnout is awful, don't say it to yourself.