Now we are working online from home, away from the studio. Our work circumstances have completely changed, but I am still doing my utmost to retain my fitness and look after myself mentally and physically. As a full-time Senior Dancer, I am continually putting my body over the pits - oiling the joints and re-balancing the body's machinery, so mechanically, it can function at its highest level, day in and day out. The extra time for reflection has highlighted the fact that I love and prioritise existing in a pain-free, fit body.
Expressing myself through movement is the most healing medicine I know; sequence of movement can change your emotion and release tension and mental stress. In a more metaphysical context, or on a spiritual level, dance - and for me, especially traditional dance on Country and traditionally-inspired contemporary dance- is healing on a level that words cannot express.
This has prompted me to devise a daily exercise plan to maintain this feeling of freedom within my body - my ‘norm’ when working full-time. For me, variety is the spice of life and this crosses over to absolutely everything. When the tide is high, I increase my sessions to three per day, including swimming laps. Otherwise, depending on the daily company schedule, I incorporate variety through extra Pilates, Yoga or cardio. We have also been working on tasking physical ideas for our upcoming production SandSong and learning old repertoire from Terrain, which is keeping my passion stimulated.
I feel that this physical drive and routine also supports my mental health during these unstable times. For example, this morning I rose to do Yoga and Pilates on Cable Beach when the sun was still rising and the air was cool. I then meditated and washed the white, fine sand off my body in the healing, salty water. I truly feel that when there's ease of movement, there is no stress or dis-ease in the body. Dancing, in union with Pilates and Yoga, is my pathway to fitness and maintaining a healthy immune system – now, more than ever.