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8/20/2024

Supporting your moves...

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Apologies for the day-late post, but we had a couple of New York days over here - - but! they were FULL of movement. Walking, dancing, yoga, etc. 

Growing up as a dancer, I always understood the importance of a good pair of shoes. Pointe shoes were expensive but essential to replace regularly. LaDuca's are half a month's rent, but so needed for theatre dance, and then we have tap shoes. This being said, when I first moved to the city, I didn't fully understand the value of my day-to-day shoes being supportive. But within the first month, between 2-4hrs a day dancing, walking everywhere, not having a car anymore, and working...that knowledge needed to change.

I started researching the most supportive shoes and ways to support my feet so that I could keep MOVING and GROOVING as much as possible. Two of the most sure-fire pain-relieving practices I added to my daily practice are below:

1. 
Gravity Release: Before a movement practice, find a spot to lay down and set your feet up on a wall. Shake out the legs and feet for a moment to stimulate the lymph system and reduce blood to the feet. You'll be shocked at how simple but effective this can be.

2. Ice Slippers: A large amount of extreme joint and muscle paint has been proven to improve with the application of icing or cold showers. An affordable step towards ice practices is purchasing a pair of ice slippers to have frozen and ready after a day of rehearsals, auditions, or work. Put on a thin pair of socks, and then wear the ice packs for about 20 minutes. Find them here.
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3. Rolling Out: An easy pain prevention to have in your audition bag at all times is a little spiky ball to roll your feet out on. After having an intense class or movement session, just take five minutes to roll out the bases of your feet to relax the muscles. You'll find that the muscular release before putting street shoes back on is so valuable. Find them here. ​

Last week, we held a poll on social media for sneaker and supportive shoe favorites that we love!! These shoes are based more on a commuting lifestyle that requires an average of 10,000-12,000 steps per day, specifically on asphalt. There are so many great shoes out there, but this is for more of an urban lifestyle.

1. Nike Air Max 90: This shoe is fantastic for day to day walking (specifically on asphalt). Also, if you need a good dance sneaker or sneaker for theatrical practices, we highly recommend investing in this shoe. 

2. Hoka​ Bondi: This shoe comes highly recommended from dancers spending full days in heels and then walking for a commute. Hoka is also a GREAT brand of shoe if you want to commit to running, or have a regular aerobic routine.

3. Reebok: This is my personal favorite shoe because I get the platform shoe to increase cushion when walking. Additionally, I love them for dancing. Also, if you are a gym person, the classic low-level is a great option for weigh-lifting to have a flatter base.

Be sure to comment below and share with us how you are taking car of you body to support daily activity without limitation. :)

​Abbi

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8/12/2024

It's all about the walk...

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As the iconic Sheila Barker always says, "It's all about the walk." A performer telling a story on stage, a dancer drawing the audience in with a mere step, a singer moving towards the mic to begin their ballad...they all think about one big thing. The walk. We spend so much time just walking with power, intrigue, and authenticity in performance. But, walking holds even more power than that.

Walking has been proven as one of the top forms of fitness suggested for any human in any walk of life. Athletic walking for as little as 20 minutes a day can be one of the best movement practices you can do. Walking has been shown to boost immune function, increase mobility, improve mental health, increase energy, stimulate blood flow, support memory functions, and promote healthy muscle use. Plus! It's free to walk!

We at T.A.P. love a daily walk to clear the brain and move the body. But, when I moved to NYC it became hard to go on walks because of the amount of walking asked for during a commute. It became easy to choose not to go on a normal walk after a day trudging around the city with a giant dance back, make-up on my face, and the stress of the work shift after my audition. But, this is when I started realizing the value of going on a speedy walk without the commute aspect, without the bags on my shoulder, and with the intention of clearing my brain. Suddenly, I started doing a daily walk to encourage muscle and brain relaxation. I suddenly found my mood and energy increased for further production and rehearsal later in the day. 

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If you (like me) find it hard to get motivated to have a daily walk, take a look at our suggestions below!

1. Find a route that brings JOY! Even in the middle of downtown Astoria, I found a lap that took me to Kaufman Film Studios. It brings me joy to look at the studio buildings. Or, I love my lap to the waterfront, giving me a view of the water, and a trail with a fresh breeze.

2. Pack a bottle of water or electrolytes. Then, you won't get too thirsty and can maybe even go for longer!

3. Add an exciting treat into the excursion! There is so much fun in grabbing a yummy beverage at the start of the walk to enjoy during the venture.

4. Grab a buddy. As performers, we barely ever have time to catch up with friends and loved ones. So! Whether its over the phone or in-person, have someone join you on your walk.

5. Get excited to vibe!! Grab a playlist, podcast, or book on tape to totally get drawn in to. We recommend talking a break from "career-based" content and screen-time, all in an effort to give the brain a true break. We even have a great walking playlist with some of our favorite jams: Spotify

6. Choose an outfit. Find comfy clothes, great sneakers, and (if needed) pull your hair up in a way that makes you feel put together versus thrown. This bit of "prep" will motivate you to look good and feel good, and you are gonna be comfortable in your own skin. Stay tuned to T.A.P for great sneaker recs.

7. Stretch afterwards. :) Our bodies can tense up so much after any type of movement. But, after our 20-min. walk, we challenge you to stretch for only 10-min. to release the body and truly cool down. Check out our ON-DEMAND videos for some great stretching options!

This week, be sure to tag T.A.P. during your walk!!

Sending good moving vibes!

Abbi

​***
Sources:
Harvard Health: 5 surprising benefits of walking
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking

American Heart Association: Why Is Walking the Most Popular Form of Exercise?
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/walking/why-is-walking-the-most-popular-form-of-exercise

British Heart Association: 6 surprising health benefits of walking
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/activity/6-surprising-health-benefits-of-walking

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8/5/2024

It's time to move...

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With the Olympics wrapping up, and the last month of true summer upon us...how are you inspired to move?? If you are like me, you saw the NYC Marathon this past year and thought...pfft...I can definitely do that. No training, just pure will power. That's not real, sorry to say, and we need to be nice to our bodies. But what if we start to channel this inspiration to move into aspirational goals?

As a dancer, I have rode the roller coaster of emotions about why I do or do not cross train and work-out on a regular basis. Is it for a physical appearance change? Is it to prove something to someone? Is it to make sure I can do the job being asked of me? But recently, while working through some amazing artist-based books (will drop recs soon), I have been reminded of the most important reason to move...it brings me joy.

Even the most basic walk around your neighborhood on a quiet Sunday morning can total reset your mind, while providing endorphins for your body. The body CRAVES movement. If you give healthy movement practices too it, imagine what it can do?

So, stay tuned for the month of August as we dive forward into movement practices and resources that we love!!

If you are anxious to start moving right now, check out ON-DEMAND.

Best,

Abbi :)
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