Learning Resilience With Patience

It has been a trend in recent years for dancers to cross train with a yoga practice. The need for flexibility combined with strength is conducive to the dancers body, as well as the technical thought process that is coupled with it. Some dancers have even reported the practice of savasana, or meditation, is quite similar to a ballet dancer’s time spent ‘at the barre,’ where approximately 45 minutes of class is spend executing extremely specific movements in a centuries old tradition. The entire process works the mind and body differently, but in a familiar way.

A different approach to dancers working with yoga can be quite beneficial to their heath and wellness pursuits, and it is summed up quite simply: '“Find comfort in the discomfort and patience where you are” (Jenkins, 2021). Dancers are accustomed to working for a specific goal, i.e., a kick or turn sequence. We work and work at the technique, weight changes, and strength in support that when we DON’T conquer something, say our understanding of what we need in our health and wellness journey, we feel discouraged and defeated. A strong yoga practice can help to find acceptance in the ‘now’ and peace along the journey. This acceptance can help to establish a life long heath and wellness quest.