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The body is a beautifully functioning system with much still to be discovered. Do you have 604 muscles, or do you have one muscle divided into 604 parts with different functions? From your big toe to your forehead, everything you think, do and feel is interconnected - physical and mental processes form a unified whole. As a result, physical and social-emotional aspects influence one another and can either support or disrupt each other. For instance, did you know that choosing certain protein-rich foods during an injury can aid recovery? Or that fatigue and stress can reduce motor control, making movements less precise and increasing your risk of injury? These are just a few examples of how the body is ultimately one connected system, with constant interactions occurring at different levels. A balanced system leads to better performance, reduced injury risk, and a longer (dance)career.
When we talk about dance, numerous studies highlight its benefits. Dancing keeps your body in shape, reduces stress and makes you happier. It boosts self-confidence, sharpens your mind, and fosters connection with others. While that’s great, we also know that being a performer is physically and mentally demanding. It is no secret that such a challenging profession often comes with a limited career span. As a dancer/performer, if you focus solely on physical training, you risk overlooking an essential part of yourself: your thoughts, feelings, and the choices you make, which all impact your performance. What you think, feel and do influences your body - and vice versa.
Good self-care is certainly not always easy. When you push beyond your limits, you disrupt a crucial balance: the balance between load - the demands placed on you- and the load capacity, how you handle those demands. When this balance is disturbed, stress often follows. Although the body will do its best to restore equilibrium, it is uncertain whether you’ll be able to function efficiently in that state.
The authors explore the physical and mental challenges faced by performers, taking a holistic approach that considers the whole individual - the interaction between body and mind in achieving your best in a healthy, informed and sustainable way. This textbook is primarily intended for artists/performers who use the body as a (creative) instrument (such as dancers, circus artists, mimers, figure skaters). Additionally, the material can inspire and support professionals from pedagogical and care disciplines.
Parts A and B cover the anatomical structures of the human body. The body is a complex, interconnected whole that we can better understand by first examining its individual components. We start with a discussion of the general structures that make up the body, such as bones, muscles, and fascial tissue. We then delve deeper into how these structures are shaped and function in different parts of the body.
Part C focuses on movement in general. After delving into specific systems such as the fascial system, it is fascinating to explore how this system functions within the entire body. The same applies to the study of different body regions having examined them in detail, we now investigate how they can work together most effectively. This section also covers topics such as motor learning, stretching, and periodisation in physical training.
Part D provides insights into the most common injuries, including strategies for prevention and guidelines for recovery in case an injury occurs.
Part E explores the mental skills you can develop, including goal setting, focus, visualisation, mindfulness, and cognitive training.
Part F, the final section, provides a comprehensive look at the role of nutrition. You will learn why proper nutrition is crucial and what additional dietary needs performers have to achieve optimal performance. This section covers digestion, energy, timing and nutritional challenges such as cramps, exercise-induced headaches, and allergies It also addresses body composition and personalised nutrition, including considerations for vegetarian or vegan diets.
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