Dancers' Resources--Books and More, Part 1
Nutritional
Dancer has featured Dr. Arthur Agatston's The South Beach Diet, The South Beach Diet Cookbook, and The South Beach Diet Good Carbs, Bad Carbs Guide as being a reasonable, safe and sane diet for dancers to use. It has also been tested personally and proven to work, offering weight loss without a loss of energy or health. The latest in the series is his The South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook (Rodale Hardcover). It's another winner, offering healthy and tasty meals "ready in 30 minutes or less." Life is good! Those with a sweet tooth will love the Flourless Chocolate Raspberry Cakes (140 calories) or the Creamy Dreamy Strawberry Vanilla Shake at just 90. Right-brained creative types will enjoy "Quick Meals You Can Make without a Recipe." If you are just beginning to set up your kitchen, there are useful lists for that, too. Recipes are color coded so there will be no mistake in choosing the correct recipe for your Phase.
The Sonoma Diet by Dr. Connie Guttersen's (Meredith Books) is also one of healthy eating versus quick (and all too temporary) weight loss. "You'll lose weight not by avoiding food but by enjoying appropriate amounts of the best foods." Good carbohydrates and fats are emphasized over sweets and processed foods. This diet has levels called "Waves," beginning with a pantry makeover, moving to a healthy lifestyle from there, graduating to "Wave 3" for maintenance. The book has a helpful 'Diet Survival 101,' and offers online help with a free one-week trial.
Body Repair and Maintenance
The tiny town of Stokesdale, in the Piedmont area of North Carolina, holds a treasure chest called Sadie's Herbal Garden. Sadie's began fifteen years ago out of love and need. The creator, Wendy, couldn't find anything that worked for her skin that was affordable and natural, so she created something. Her business has grown to include a wide variety of skin, body and hair care items, plus herbs, teas, coffees, soaps and more. I know her products work because I use them. So does my sister, who introduced me to the darling store where you can see the products being made. You'll hear more about Sadie's in future issues, but let's begin with my favorites.
"Ballerina's Overnight Foot Cream" was in my Christmas bundle this year. It looks like the thickest, richest cream you have ever seen and surrounds your battered feet in luxury. Or try a small tube of "Sadie's Cracked Heel Relief Cream" with emu oil that won't break your budget at $6.99. It pushes up like a deodorant stick and is spill-proof.
That and their luscious "Body Indulgence" have turned my parchment back into skin as nothing else has. You get a generous size for $8.99. Since her products have very few preservatives, she cautions you to use a clean spatula or spoon to dip into her creations that come in a tub or jar to minimize the bacteria you add whenever you plop your fingers into it. These are good for both sexes because you aren't overwhelmed with fragrance nor covered in grease. Should you want fragrance, she can add it to your specifications. (Vanilla Honey Almond is especially divine).
I walked into the Pilates studio one day and was complimented on my perfume. I was using "Sadie's Chinese Gel." It's a very powerful topical pain reliever that works on your muscles without stunning those around you with fumes. She cautions you not to use this with heat or similar products. A few drops are enough. And the little bottle slips neatly into your dance bag at 4 oz. You might also want to add A.R.M. (Arthritis, Rheumatism, Muscles). The addition of emu oil seems to be a key in this absorbable lotion. Try the roll-on for $4.99. I personally recommend a little on the temples for headaches.
You can call Sadie's (336-644-SOAP {7627}) or visit the site at www.sadiesherbalgarden.com. There may be an outlet store near you, or you can use her fast, careful delivery. Honest quality is a rarity. Sadie's excels in good work.
Technique
The book is not new but the format is. Suki Shorer on Balanchine Technique (University Press of Florida, www.upf.com) has been reissued in paperback. More than a dry pedagogical piece on ballet technique, Shorer - former dancer with the New York City Ballet and teacher at the School of American Ballet - explains George Balanchine's technique, his reasoning for his approach, and weaves stories of classes, rehearsals and performances under him throughout. Balletomanes and aspiring dancers will enjoy this as much as teachers.
Teaching Dance Studies, edited by
Judith Chazin-Bennahum (Routledge www.routledge.com) is a collection of essays on teaching kinesiology, dance history, dance criticism and more. High school and college teachers will appreciate the insights and guidance. It is often hard to get to conferences and even engage in conversations with fellow professors because of tight schedules. This slim book is lightweight only in size and will make a superb travel companion or bedside reader.