Salsa for Athletes

Testimonial from University of Maryland Head-Coach, Missy Meharg:

"Competing with (universities such as) American, James Madison, Princeton, Syracuse and a talented post-eligibility team of our seniors is a solid opportunity to see our players' development since January. The women have been working hard on their technical skills. After a fun-filled segment of 'hockey salsa' with dance instructor Barbara Bernstein, our deception and balance has improved."

Barbara Bernstein and Edwin pose before running a “Dance Cross Training Program” at the University of Maryland.

Barbara Bernstein and Edwin from Danceintime pose before running a “Dance Cross Training Program” at the University of Maryland.

 

DANCING TO PROMOTE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

Research has shown that dance instruction improves the following skills, all of which are important in athletics as well:

  • Agility

  • Coordination & Timing

  • Rapid Changes of Direction

  • Muscle Isolations (legs versus arms as well as one leg versus the other and one arm versus the other)

  • Flexibility

  • Team-Building/Spirit

Barbara taught Salsa to the Baltimore Raven’s Cheer Squad for a fun Team Building Activity.

Barbara taught Salsa to the Baltimore Raven’s Cheer Squad for a fun Team Building Activity.

Danceintime director Barb Bernstein has developed sport-specific dance activities and drills for a fun cross-training program for athletes! She can also construct exercises to address particular issues the coach wants his/her team to work on.

All-male teams do Salsa footwork drills which are essentially solo dancing, similar to tap dancing. All-female or mixed-gender teams blend footwork with partnership moves. In both cases, the dance practice is great fun, and it translates to improvements on the playing field.

For more details and to discuss a program for your team contact Barb@DanceInTime.com! 

Articles on How Dance Improves Athletic Skills

  1. “Top Ten Reasons Why Dance Is Incredible Cross-Training for Sports,” Elevate Dance Center, July 2018. https://elevatedanceonline.com/top-ten-reasons-why-dance-is-incredible-cross-training-for-sports/

  2. “Football Players: Should You Be Looking into Dance Classes?” by Rachel Mazanec, NCSA College Recruiting. https://www.ncsasports.org/blog/should-you-be-looking-into-dance-classes

  3. “Why Dance Is An Ideal Activity for Athletes,” by Jena Minnick-Bull, Southcoast Conservatory, April 26, 2021. https://scconservatory.com/blog/2021/04/26/why-dance-is-an-ideal-activity-for-athletes

  4. “Dance Helps Pro Athletes Including Kobe Bryant,” London Sports Xpress, March 23, 2020. https://londonsportsxpress.ca/dance-helps-pro-athletes-including-kobe-bryant/

  5. “When World Athletes Did Ballet,” by Meedhu Miriyam, The Lewis Foundation of Classical Ballet, August 13, 2016 https://www.thelewisfoundation.org/2016/08/when-world-athletes-did-ballet/

  6.  “Fancy Footwork;” Baltimore Sun, by Consella Lee, Sun Staff Writer, Jan. 18, 1995. http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1995-01-18/news/1995018088_1_rosso-lacrosse-dance

  7.   “How Does Dance Class Make One A Better Athlete?” Livestrong.com, by Janet Renee,Feb. 29, 2012. http://www.livestrong.com/article/555930-how-does-dance-class-make-one-a-better-athlete/

  8.  "Music in Sport and Exercise: An Update on Research and Application," By Costas Karageorghis and David-Lee Priest, The Sport Journal, publisher- United States Sports Academy, ISSN: 1543-9518.   http://www.thesportjournal.org/article/music-sport-and-exercise-update-research-and-application