Back to Modern Classes!
I started taking modern dance classes again after a six-month hiatus. Last night I took Isabel Gotzkowsky's slow intermediate modern class at Dance New Amsterdam in downtown Manhattan. It's always a pleasure to take Isabel's class. I'm going to try to get in a routine of taking her Wednesday and Saturday classes.
I thought Isabel's slow intermediate modern class would be too challenging for me. In the past I've always taken her beginner class. While it was challenging, it felt manageable and my technique will improve more quickly in a more advanced class. The routine she taught the last half hour of the class did feel a little overwhelming at first. But by the end of the class I had the general idea. And she's teaching the same phrase this Saturday.
I even woke-up with minimal pain, which is great. I've actually been preparing for going back to dance classes for about 5-6 weeks. About every other day, I do a two-hour routine of stretching, strengthening and exercises. I incorporate a lot of what I learned from my physical therapy for my back and hips and combine that with exercises from jazz, modern, ballet and yoga. I also use a workout ball for my back and core and use a rubber band for strengthening.
It does take more time than I'd like to do my exercises and strengthening. But at 46, I know my body can't handle the physical stress from dance classes unless I'm in good shape.
Even though I enjoyed my foray into Argentine Tango, I'm much happier taking modern dance classes again.
Posted by
Doug Fox on July 10, 2008 7:05 AM
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