So I was reading this post on Dancer Universe, where they basically ask how people work as teachers, choreographers, dancers, etc. Is it the same thing every time? Or do you mix it up?
I am a creature of habit. Part of that is how I was taught, I think. For years, I danced at Krupinski’s, and after warming up at the barre we did floor warm-ups to “Black Horse and a Cherry Tree“. Since I’ve stopped dancing there, I’ve developed my own warm-up, but the other day I was walking through the mall with a friend when “Black Horse and a Cherry Tree” came on, and all of my muscles sort of freaked out. It was totally bizarre. I’m so used to hearing that song and going into “and now I’m doing such-and-such exercise” that it actually difficult to hear the song and not go into ballet warm-up mode.
Since I’ve started dancing again, I’ve developed my own warm up, but it is pretty uncreative. If I had “Black Horse and a Cherry Tree” on my iPod, I’d probably listen to it, but I don’t. So instead, after a basic barre warm-up (I use my kitchen counter – don’t tell my roommate 
), I use “I’ll Cover You” from Rent, “The Bitch of Living” from Spring Awakening if I’m floor stretching, and Bittersweet Symphony. Anyone who has seen Mark Krupinski’s ballet and jazz warm-ups, however, will note that there are, ahem, suspicious similarities. I do practically the same thing.
I can’t figure out if this is a good thing or a bad thing. My current routine makes sure that I practice everything I need to, I work both sides of my body equally, but would it be better for me to switch it up every now and again?
I think maybe I’ll try a little experiment and do something a little different for the next couple of days. I’ll keep you updated!
