I think most us now know that we should be dancing on a sprung floor, but what is a sprung floor? How does it affect our body when we dance and why should we ensure that we minimise time spent working on hard surfaces? Deb Crookshanks offers us some clarity.

I know! No one wants to think about an injury occurring, however should you sustain one it will need speedy, sensible management to ensure you minimise loss of dancing hours and time away from what you love. So here are my suggestions for what every dance

GETTING READY FOR THE COMPETITON SEASON AHEAD

I think most us now know that we should be dancing on a sprung floor, but what is a sprung floor? How does it affect our body when we dance and why should we ensure that we minimise time spent working on hard surfaces? Deb Crookshanks offers us some clarification.

This is a great exercise for strengthening the upper body, arms and shoulder girdle. The wrists, elbows and shoulders when strong and flexible allow the hands to move with great ease and skill which provides the hands with the ability to move in the most dynamic way.

Using the wrists, elbows and shoulders to move the arms in a coordinated and seamless manner helps centre the entire body, which is paramount to improving dance technique.

Every year hundreds of dancers are asked to comply with a physio examination as a part of their application form. For some this can be an extremely sensitive time, Debra Crookshanks from The Dancers Clinic talks us through the examination to help alleviate confusion.

All Star Competition is the stage for cheerleaders and dancers to showcase their talents and abilities and the challenge of performing in front of people builds confidence and self-esteem.

How do they occur, are they genetic, what is the treatment? Answers to these questions and more from Dance Specialist Physio Debra Crookshanks, DANCEtrain's in-house physio.

HOW DOES COLLAPSING ARCHES OCCUR?
There are four arches in each foot but we are most familiar with the inside or medial arch which runs from under the big toe back to the heel. Our arches are formed by the bones in our foot (there are 24 bones in each foot) and held firm yet flexible by many ligaments and muscles.

Just as a car needs petrol to drive you to dance class, your body needs fuel in order to perform at its best. It is always advised to consult with a dietician or nutritionist to find out what is best for your body.

Why should be having regular massages?