I wish I could say that returning to flamenco dance class is a breeze. It is not BUT I love it.
My teacher dedicated a couple of classes to body conditioning, how to prevent your body from injury and how to recover from rigorous rehearsal. A lot of the exercises were the same ones my physical therapist has me doing. These classes brought me back to dance. With class focusing on warm up and stretches, I was able to take on the dance portion in stride.
This past weekend was a strictly study flamenco dance class: bulerias. I loved moving again but I didn't feel as strong as I'd like. Holding my body in the proud posture, I could feel my core wasn't feeling as solid as I'd like. But I felt pretty and proud for my attempts. My teacher was encouraging and wanted to see if I can do my drills in double time.
Nope. My hips and back said not today. My teacher smiled and said I will have it next week.
I spent the remainder of the weekend either soaking in the tub or in bed. My prescribed exercises and stretches from my physical therapist and dance teacher helps me get back on my feet. I've made a mental note and now a literal note to myself to warm up and do more stretching before arriving to class and once I enter the building to continue stretching til I put my dance shoes on.
I plan to be able to do my drills double time.
Here's one of my favorite dancers doing a buleria. Enjoy!
JNET