Albert Einstein once stated, “We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams.” In dancing, to prevent accidents and injuries, protective precautions and health protocols are essential and should be observed. The responsible dance procedure is the comprehensive process of dance science and art that enables performers to maintain optimal physical and mental health. It refers to the planning and organization of dance performances and guarantees the dancer's health and wellbeing (HSC Dance, n.d.). Also, it focuses on preventing dance-related injuries and treating those that do occur. Correspondingly, dancers are likely to utilize their full potential if they are assured of safety. In dancing or any physical activity, let safety be our number one priority. Thus, we will discuss the various personal safety and health protocols, which include (1) observing proper hygiene, (2) not skipping breakfast, (3) observing proper dress code, (4) being aware of the training space, (5) staying hydrated, (6) not working too hard during physical work, (7) identifying school and community resources in case of injury or emergency, and (8) being prepared, which we can all utilize on a daily basis.
Observe Proper Hygiene.
(Mom Junction, 2022)
Good and proper hygiene is one of the most practical methods to prevent gastroenteritis or transmittable diseases like flu, cold, and COVID-19. Handwashing with water and soap eliminates disease-causing bacteria. Managing hygienic practices will also aid in preventing the spread of disease, and this must be observed during all physical activities (Health Direct Australia, n.d.).
Do not skip breakfast.
(Eat This Not That, 2021)
In 2020, Better Health Channel exemplified that breakfast is frequently named the "most vital meal," and it has a valid purpose. This highlights the importance of having a breakfast that will give key nutrients needed by the body. It recharges our sugar demand to boost our alertness and ability to do activities, as well as supplies us with numerous different necessary minerals essential for a healthy body.
Observe proper dress code.
(Rodriguez et al., n.d.)
This guarantees that dancers or performers have the ability to move comfortably throughout the rehearsals and in their classes. Inappropriate attire can affect precision, technique, and mobility, as well as the convenience of the dancer. Also, this is particularly essential to remember when performing as a team and with a partner on dance routines (Encore Academy of Dance, 2021).
Be aware of your training space.
(Freepik, 2022)
Advanced Consulting and Training (2020) demonstrated that a safe training space is a productive workplace. Individuals who perform with a sense of security are more efficient, more likely to assume personal responsibility, and more invested in their performance. This applies to any physical activity, including dancing.
Keep Hydrated.
(Alter_Photo, 2019)
Water is what the body needs to work properly. Even the most basic processes use it up, such as perspiration and urination, so it is important to continuously replace the water that the body loses (Mayo Clinic, 2020). The CDC (2020) also recommends additional intake of water when we are active in doing physical activities such as dancing or when we are in warm places. The standard amount of water to drink is 6-8 glasses, though it depends on the person.
Do not push too hard during physical activity.
(Nikolaenko, n.d.)
It is important to remember that our bodies still have certain limits. We should not push ourselves too hard, especially in physical activities. Overexertion is what happens if we push too hard, and it can even happen in basic activities like bending, running, walking, lifting, pushing, and throwing (Injury Facts | National Safety Council, n.d.). Overexertion can cause dizziness, nausea, thirst, and vomiting.
Identify community resources in case of injury.
(Stock, n.d.)
A lot of places have different resources available in case of an injury. Schools have designated clinics and equipment to treat injuries, and barangays have local health centers. For some minor injuries, the acronym PRICE can be utilized, which involves protection from further injury, rest, the use of ice and compression bandages, and elevation (NHS Choices, 2019).
Always come prepared.
(Freedomz, n.d.)
Physical activities are done best when everything is nicely prepared ahead of time. Preparation can also include warm-ups and exercises. Moreover, a prepared athlete is less likely to be injured than an unprepared one (Department of Health & Human Services, 2018). It also prepares us for the activity both physically and mentally, setting our focus on the activity and its goals. So, make sure that everything — including ourselves — is prepared at least 15 minutes before the time.
Having our own set of personal safety and health protocols is key to making any activity, even something that seems basic like dancing, successful and without injury. Simple procedures like these can still guide us to making our every physical activity fun and risk-free. So, remember to keep these little tips in mind whenever you will have your own dance activities.
References
Advanced Consulting and Training. (2020, October 9). Awareness is safety. Advanced Consulting and Training. https://advancedct.com/awareness-is-safety/#:~:text=A%20safe%20workplace%20is%20an,and%20be%20engaged%20in%20work
Alter_Photo. (2019). Water-pouring-into-glass [Online Image]. iStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/water-pouring-into-glass-gm1183424538-3327430
Better Health Channel. (2020, December 3). Breakfast. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/breakfast
CDC. (2020, October 12). Water and Healthier Drinks. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html
Department of Health & Human Services. (2018, August 31). Physical activity – how to get started. Www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/physical-activity-how-to-get-started
Eat This Not That. (2021, May 5). 21 side effects of skipping breakfast [Online Image]. Eat This Not That. https://www.eatthis.com/effects-of-skipping-breakfast/
Encore Academy of Dance. (2021, March 24). 5 reasons dress code is important. Encore Academy of Dance. https://www.encoreacademyofdance.com/why-dress-code/#:~:text=A%20dress%20code%20ensures%20that,performing%20group%20and%20partnering%20choreography
Freedomz. (n.d.). Young-student-sitting-desk-home [Online Image]. Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/young-student-sitting-desk-home-studying-1121506322
Freepik. (2022, February 4). Premium Photo: Indoor Space of Dance Training Room [Online Image]. Freepik. https://www.freepik.com/premium-photo/indoor-space-dance-training-room_23154191.htm
Health Direct Australia. (n.d.). Personal hygiene. Health Direct Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/personal-hygiene#:~:text=Good%20personal%20hygiene%20is%20one,spreading%20diseases%20to%20other%20people
HSC Dance. (n.d.). Safe dance practice. HSC Dance. https://hscdance.weebly.com/safe-dance-practice.html
Injury Facts | National Safety Council. (n.d.). Overexertion and Bodily Reaction. Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/safety-topics/overexertion-and-bodily-reaction/
Mayo Clinic. (2020, July 22). Water is essential to your body. Www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/water-essential-to-your-body
Mom Junction. (2022). Personal Hygiene For Teenagers [Online Image]. Mom Junction. https://cdn2.momjunction.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Why-Personal-Hygiene-For-Teenagers-Is-Important-And-How-To-Teach-Them-1-624x702.jpg.webp
NHS Choices. (2019). Treatment - sports injuries. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sports-injuries/treatment/
Nikolaenko, I. (n.d.). Man-feels-bad-headache [Online Image]. Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/man-tider-feel-yourself-bad-1188223309
Oregon State University. (2020, November 12). Pac 140 dance: Jazz 1 [Online Image]. Oregon State University. https://health.oregonstate.edu/pac/class/pac-140-dance-jazz-1
Rodriguez, D., Lastoe, S., Jesner, L., Haupt, A., Byrne, C., Migala, J., Rapaport, L., & Robinson, K. (n.d.). Choosing the right workout clothes [Online Image]. Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/choosing-workout-clothes.aspx
Stock, V. (n.d.). First-aid-kit-on-white-table [Online Image]. Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/first-aid-kit-on-white-table-1676443729
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