Everyone knows that when you’re running in a 100-meter dash, you start from a “ready position”. The runner’s body is prepared to launch forward and run like the wind. They don’t just stand around twiddling their thumbs until the start of the race is called.
This dance year, as it is Miss Deanna’s 15th season, we will be connecting her love of sports and dance. One area where sports and dance crossover is the concept of the ready position.
How can you start off the dance year from your own ready position?
Make sure you’re prepared for class
Show up with a positive attitude, proper dance attire and footwear, hair up, and a willingness to learn.
Stay “ready” so you don’t have to “get ready”
This can be as simple as stretching regularly so your flexibility is maintained, doing 10 push-ups a day to keep your strength and endurance, and reviewing choreography.
The body and brain are amazing things. The more you review choreography, the more your muscles develop muscle memory.
Even if you have a moment of brain fog and forget part of a dance in the moment, your body and muscles will remember it for you if you’ve practiced enough.
Be prepared in other areas of life, too!
If you know you have a big exam coming up for school, don’t cram the night before. Prepare daily by reviewing often. Do your best to stay organized with your personal items so that you’re not constantly stressed out trying to find school supplies or dance class necessities.
Help others around your household stay prepared, too. Help a parent meal plan or help a younger sibling lay out their clothes for school the night before.
Ready position is something that comes easier for some than for others, but the more we put it into practice for ourselves, the smoother our lives as dancers and people can flow.
