The summer holidays - 5 technique tips

We all love the holidays, but as far as keeping up your technique goes they are a pretty serious minefield. If you are lucky enough to be taking part in a summer intensive then you are probably safer, but for others who don't have training it is critical that we don't forget everything. Here are a few of my tips:

• Keep exercising - obviously it is important to keep in shape, and particularly without regular classes to attend it is all up to you. Vary the way you workout as much as possible: dance classes (if you can find some running) the gym, swimming, yoga or pilates.
• Work on a few selected things - we all have elements of our technique that need work. So why not take the chance to give ourselves a few private classes on the things that you know you need to improve? For example, I am spending a lot of time on strengthening my feet for pointe work during the holidays, as I can concentrate purely on that by myself.
• Use youtube to change your practice around - whether it's just changing up the music for your combination, or watching tutorials to improve technique, youtube is an invaluable tool for keeping yourself interested.
• Train together - it is very likely that your other dance friends will be trying to keep their technique in check over summer too. Working together will mean that you can push each other, and it will be much more fun for both of you than soldiering on alone.
• Don't forget about stretching - yes it is boring, but it is the one thing you seriously notice in your first ballet class in September: "Grand battement? Maybe not."

Overall, make sure that you rest and stay healthy. Of course it is ok to relax in the holidays, even if you are not training intensively through it. If you follow the tips above, eat well and healthily (my food blog is full of tips!) and keep control of any injuries then a well-deserved rest can also be introduced.

Get practicing!!