Dancin’ with the Rockettes: Learn the tricks to their kicks
Right now, we’re all thinking about what it might take to get back into shape. Variety is the spice of exercise, so it’s great to have a few different options—but it’s not that easy if your usual places of fitness are yet to reopen.
We want to help, by adding a special option to your at-home activity mix. This one is pure joy—and also happens to be awesome for toning legs, core, arms, and more. It’s a mini workout brought to you by one of the Radio City Rockettes. Yes, those high-kicking dance goddesses who grace the stage of NYC’s iconic Radio City Music Hall.
In this video, Rockette Danelle Morgan, breaks down a short classic dance combination with the patience of a kind elementary school teacher. In just five minutes she imparts wisdom collected through years of training. You can watch the video over and over till you nail the combo. Once you own the steps, you can do it anytime.
“Dancing is a great at-home workout because you don’t need any equipment,” Danelle points out. “All you need is your body. It’s fun. It’s challenging for your brain. It’s a great way to let loose.”
She’s right. One of the best ways to get “in the zone” with exercise is to practice something that occupies your mind as well as your body. Learning new moves—and working them over and over—accomplishes this. It makes workout time fly.
Of course, the Rockettes are most famous for their epic kicks. These require flexibility as well as strength—specifically core strength. Don’t push too far at first. Listen to Danelle’s instruction, and copy her technique, but kick to a comfortable height. It’s all about keeping your back tall as the leg lifts (don’t hunch forward). As you practice more—always stretch before and after—you’ll find your hamstrings getting looser. Over time, you’ll find that leg lifting higher and higher.
The main thing, though, is to have fun, enjoy breaking a sweat, and lose yourself in the joy of learning something new. As the saying goes—dance like nobody’s watching. It’s a total treat and the greatest mood elevator of all time.
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