There are some questions about dance that still intrigue people till date. I would like to answer questions that my students always ask me. If you have been dancing for a while now, it is very important for you to know about your world and its people.

Are dancers athletes?
Yes, dancers are elite athletes as well as artists. They follow a rigorous training regime in order to stay fit, like professional athletes such as basketball or hockey players. Dancers have an extraordinary flexibility, muscular strength and both physical and mental endurance. Professional dancers train and practice every day for an average of six hours. Many also cross-train with cardio, weight lifting, yoga and/or pilates to improve their physical fitness and technique.

Till how long can dancers continue performing?
While some dancers continue to perform till their 50s or longer, but most of them stop performing by their mid-30s because of many physical limitations that come with age. Many dancers continue to work in the field as choreographers, dance teachers, coaches or artistic directors.

Why do modern dancers dance in bare feet?
Modern dance values a partisan use of the body as opposed to ballet, which is concerned with resisting gravity. Dancing with bare feet enables the dancer to connect directly with the floor. Dancing in bare feet for a long time, the soles of a dancer’s feet adjust and toughen. Some modern dancers put tape on their toes and the balls of their feet to make it easier to turn and slide.

Dancing till you drop
Mike Ritof and Edith Boudreaux, both Americans, hold the world record for dancing from August 29, 1930 to April 1, 1931. They danced for 5,154 hours and 48 minutes — that is 214 days and finally dropped on the floor after making the record. Therefore the dance lovers came up with this very popular phrase.

Why do people say, “break a leg” before a dancer goes on stage?
The dance world is full of superstitions. By saying, “break a leg” before a show, people are saying the exact opposite of what they hope will happen on stage. Some dancers have very precise routines for doing their hair or make-up. Others wear certain clothes before a show and keep lucky charms in their dressing rooms or backstage.

Is the Green Room really green?
Sometimes, but not always. The green room is a quiet, comfortable room backstage where performers can rest and relax before, after and between shows. It’s also the place where performers receive their families and friends. No one knows exactly why it’s called a green room, but it has been part of the theatre tradition for centuries. Some people believe that it is a reference to the days when theatre was performed outside in the open air or, “on the green”.

Why aren’t there more men and boys in dance?
Many people say that this is because western culture traditionally views dance, and especially ballet, as primarily “feminine” pursuits. Some parents discourage their sons from taking dance classes even when they show potential and aptitude. Yet some of the world’s great dancers have been and are, men who are admired for their strength, grace, agility and musicality, as well as their masculinity.

Can performing really be addictive?
While dancing, the body releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that are responsible for positive moods. Once they start dancing, many people find it hard to quit because it is enjoyable. It’s hard to find a replacement since few other activities make them feel so connected and alive.