Dancer Emma O'Kane tells Patricia Weston how she keeps fit in an occupation that can take a huge physical toll
What is your exercise regime?
I'm a freelance dancer so when I'm working I do a 40-hour week, Monday to Friday. I have an hour to an hour and a half warm up class, with whatever company I am working for, in the mornings. Then I have rehearsals until 6p.m. It's second nature at this stage. The toughest part is when you are not dancing because you get lots of aches and pains.
Do you work out in a gym?
I go to the gym three to four times a week. The instructor designed a specific programme to help with my dancing. I don't use many machines I have a series of exercises to strengthen my lower limbs and my stomach muscles. I do a little cardio-vascular exercise and strength training. I also enjoy aqua-fit classes.
Have you ever sustained any injuries?
Injuries are an occupational hazard. I trained as a ballet dancer but I do contemporary dance now. I had shin splints when I was ballet dancing a few years ago and couldn't dance for six months. It took me a year to get back up the level I was at before. It's important to keep improving on your technique to prevent injury and I try to ensure my body is in good condition.
Are there any activities you would like to try?
I tried pilates and found it very useful. I did an intensive two-week workshop and I found the strength I developed in the centre of my body astounding.
Do you have any unhealthy habits?
I'm a social smoker. If I've been smoking I can feel it the next day in rehearsals but I enjoy them so I don't think I 'll give up.
Are you conscious about your appearance?
No I wouldn't say I'm hugely conscious.
Do you eat a balanced diet?
I follow a sensible diet. I don't eat fast food and I drink lots of water.
• Emma O'Kane will perform in Chamber Made-Room 409 which runs at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel from August 7th - 11th as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival programme.
Patricia Weston recommends:
• Contemporary or modern dance differs from ballet in that it is less conventional. It is more versatile and "allows for a greater use of creative talents," says Emma.
Developed in the early twentieth century as a reaction to ballet, it rejects many of the conventions of ballet dancing - the turnout, pointed feet, some of the positions, leaps, dancing on pointe and the use of ballet shoes, according to the Laban Centre for Dance, www.laban.org.
"Ballet has a certain repertoire of steps which need to be constantly perfected on. The thing about contemporary dance is that you never stop learning", says Emma.
Patricia Weston is an NCEHS fitness instructor, personal trainer and pilates teacher. pweston@eircom.net