Keeping fit during summer break

[chrischris]

As the ballet companies reach the end of the season and dancers prepare for their summer break, I was wondering whether the companies that offer year round contracts (RB, BRB, ENB etc) still organise daily classes for the dancers during the break. Obviously they need a holiday and lots of them do galas elsewhere, but they won't start performing again until Sept/ Oct, and i'm assuming they still need to rehearse and work out during that time to stay fit, maintain muscles, strength and technique. Do they organise that themselves?

[Nina G.]

I know that the RB dancers have a 5 week holiday break after finishing their annual Tour but they are back in the ROH studios by mid-August to take their daily company class thus giving them over 6 weeks to train, prepare and rehearse for the new Season. As you said, many dancers keep going through their 5 week holiday break by dancing in Galas. I assume they take a few days rest here and there. 

[Shmendrick]

http://www.tightsandtiaras.com/2010/08/we-are-going-on-a%e2%80%a6-summer-holiday/

 

This was written by a corps de ballet dancer in Hungary (I think), unfortunately he seems to have given up on his blog but there are several posts on there which give an interesting insight to life as a dancer.

[chrischris]

Thanks for the link. It must be so tough for the dancers in companies that don't provide 12 month contracts, having to remain fit while working in bars, shops etc