Summer has arrived....

I think.

Since my last post was all about caring for the feet, because without them we can't dance.
I figured I might do a little more regarding caring for the body too.

Summer for many dancers means very simply... Outdoor performances.  Which brings a challenge to every dancer.  Sunburns and dehydration.

Sunburns are easy enough to handle.. We all know to slather on the goop that is sunscreen before putting on the costumes and to wear our coverups and seek shade and shelter while waiting our turns.

Dehydration is another matter entirely.

We've all been taught to not let the audience catch you eating or drinking.   Since it tends to blow them away that we are human.
While I agree that we shouldn't be caught falling down drunk, because we have opted to lube our nerves with alcohol....  I can't say that I agree with not having a bottle of water close by.

We are human and some of us have costumes that are full of dark and heavy fabrics, they weigh a bit more than street clothes and some of us do employ the wearing of turbans, which in truth just adds to the overheating factor.

It's smart for us to keep water handy...  Not always convenient when it comes to finding a non busy restroom to recycle the water, but...  water serves a purpose in allowing us to stay cool and not get sick before or after a performance because we are hot.
So... if you are really serious about not being caught drinking...  keep your water somewhere you can escape to, just so you can have a drink.
But, don't forgo the water.