BACK2TOES BOOTCAMP

WHAT IS IT?

Back2toes has been operating on the dance circuit for a number of years now and it has gradually become clear that as well as the treatment itself most clients are also looking for advice on how to be better prepared for an event, how to look after feet, legs, shoulders etc, how to correctly warm up the specific muscles and ligaments used in dancing, particularly in the feet and legs and how to repair any damage sustained. I am already involved in giving talks on similar topics to schools, police, traffic wardens etc and so the creation of a workshop especially for dance events based on this information seemed an obvious next step. The Back2toes Bootcamp was born!

WHAT WILL WE COVER?

- understanding the importance of warming up and cooling down

- before and after stretches and how they help
- the importance of flexibility and suppleness, not only in the muscles but also the tendons and ligaments
- talking through/trying out particular stretches for the tissues/fibres used in dancing
- avoiding/treating the usual complaints such as knee or hip pain, tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, etc
 

GIVE ME MORE DETAIL?
Back2toes has a stand at most UK dance weekenders offering specialist treatments for dancers, mainly feet but also legs, knees, hips, backs etc.  These treatments are based on Sports Massage and Injuries Therapy as well as Reflexology and the manipulations, massage, cooling/warming gels and special equipment are all tailored into either preparing or repairing according to whether it is the beginning or end of the event. Most often the key issue is the lack of correct warming-up/stretches/cooling-down as well as a general lack of understanding of the impact our everyday life has on our bodies and therefore our dancing capabilities. Not only is this the type of work we do but also the position we sleep in, the car we drive (manual or automatic), the shoes we wear and so on. 

The secret is to understand these potential issues and learn strategies and stretches to manage them. Incorporating these stretches into everyday life is the key to doing them so for example there will be ones for on the stairs, in the bathroom and so on! It must be stressed that this is not your average "all lie on a mat and say ummm" type of class! It is neither a massage class nor an exercise class. It is a fun informative workshop, learning about how to improve movement, flexibility and posture - this will have a positive knock-on effect on your dancing.

WHAT DO YOU NEED FROM ME?

Wear loose clothing and shoes that are easy to remove as you may find some foot exercises easier without them. As part of the workshop involves a talk please ensure you have a warm layer. The Bootcamp is generally one of the first workshops of the event in order to prepare you for the hours of dancing ahead – you will therefore need to make the effort to get up in time and drag yourself to the class!! You will not regret it, you will come away with a new determination to look after yourself and improve your dancing.