Sunday, November 15, 2009
Rockettes manager strives to keep troupe fit and healthy
Post Gazette: "How do the 200 Radio City Rockettes dancing across the country in the 77th annual 'Radio City Christmas Spectacular' keep up the stamina and stay free of injuries to perform hundreds of jump splits and thousands of eye-high kicks over seven weeks?"
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I have the utmost respect for the Rockette dancers. The physical endurance required to committ to such a performance is astounding. As for the part of the article that adresses how they maintain their peak physical condition, I feel that this advice is good for anyone who does any kind of theater in general. Actors, especailly in musical theater, are constantly moving and speaking. The nutrition and physical maintenance is crucial. Especially in an industry where the part is often pivoted on your looks for a certain character. Same thing goes for even technicians. Techs have long days of physical activity and it is just as important for them to maintain thier physical health inorder for the production to continue. This article, while it mainly focuses on the dancers, is important for anyone working within the theater field.
Even more proof that the arts and theater can be as athletic as any sport one can play. The physicality of actors, especially dancers, is amazing. The ways in which they can use their bodies are spectacular and the athletics coaches should pay attention to the benefits dancing gives to the athletes. This may foster a better connection between artists and jocks. In terms of the Rockettes, it is amazing what they can do, although much of it has to do with precision and stamina. It is not what they do that is amazing, but how well and how long they do it for that really takes the cake. Physical health is important for everyone in the theater, if someone gets injured or sick, it affects the whole team. This is why we place so much emphasis on safety and staying healthy.
This is a perfect example of something that could easily be overlooked and therefore completely ruin a show. In a lecture we had recently from Kevin, he mentioned how things like stage combat require a specific trainer/choreographer. For something this dance heavy it makes sense to have someone dedicated to health too. It's interesting too that the stage managers are in charge of it and that the stretches and meals are integrated into the performance schedule. I especially appreciate the reinforcement of healthy eating that is placed upon the actors. In an industry that is constantly focused on the young slim and beautiful (especially the rockettes) its crucial that these performers don't turn to dangerous methods of slimming down. I think it would be useful here at CMU School of Drama to have more intensive training with the actors on how to successfully achieve the body type you are looking for without going anorexic.
I am amazed that for a production that relies entirely on strenuous dance numbers does close to 17 shows a week. This must be one major show to budget. Not only would an excessive amount of shoes be used for the company but the insurance needed for to cover their injuries and any type of doctor that may need to help them. In addition, the planning it takes to take this show on the road with all their medical needs. Granted, anyone can get hurt in theater but injuries are more common in dance productions and even the smalls bump can set a dancer off for a performance or two for precautionary sake. Sure, the Rockettes are not Cirque, but I cannot imagine the stress between each showing tending to dancer's and all their minor pains and to understand which ones are serious and which ones just need some ice and rest and never knowing who will be dancing tomorrow. No wonder they have so many swings and understudies.
The amount of stress this type of performance can put on a person's body is insane. I think that it is definitely necessary to have a nutritionist or wellness expert on staff because these dancers deal with so much. I was glad to hear that the Rockettes employ someone to deal with the health aspects of the show. I like what Timothy has said about how the technical people in theatre could use someone like this, but I don't think that it's really as necessary for us as it is for the performers.
Just reading this article made me tired ;) I can't imagine the strain they put on their bodies. It gave my great pleasure to hear that they eat pb and j for energy, because it is one of my favorites. I was not , yet still impressed, but the comment about hand placement. Normally, you don't think that a hand can be placed on a hip so many different ways. One of my favorite things about theatre is how differently each of the different "talents" think. How fingers move isn't what I notice, but a dancer doesn't automatically notice trim heights either.
I'm glad to see that while the Rockettes are paying special attention to their fitness, they are not becoming like many other dancers I hear about that starves themselves to keep a "perfect" body. It seems that this organization is well aware of the nutrition it needs in order to not only remain fit, but to also be healthy.
I think one of the most important things to take from this article is the great focus that is put on prevention. These dancers are athletes and they train all year not only to be prepared for the rigorous dancing, but also to keep their bodies in shape and be less prone to injuries. In addition they maintain a diet that also promotes overall heath and is conducive to the grueling hours of work and performance. They also take the necessary time for rest and relaxation which is also crucial in maintaining their bodies at peak performance levels but also just healthy in general. We may not be Rockette dancers, but these are all lifestyle choices that we would benefit from applying to our daily lives.
I did not know that it is that strenuous for the dancers and that they have only one day a week off. I have never seen the Rockettes but I hope to when they come to Pittsburgh. The technical aspects of the show are amazing as well as the dancing. I agree with Tim. It is of the utmost importance that the dancers remain in good shape and healthy. It seems as if it would be easy to hurt oneself in a roll like this. It seems as if a person with any health concerns would have problems. The dancers would have to have almost perfect health.
I enjoyed this article. It was very informative about the lifestyle of the rockettes.
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