Well, in honor of the new moderator (congratulations!), I'd like to post a question. My daughter, who is 12, will be involved with a 19-show run of the Nutcracker next month. She'll be doing "that part" with a professional company. As part of my strategy to keep things sane and fun, I was toying with the idea of getting her a massage in the midst of this run, but I don't know for sure if that would be wise. I know, from personal experience, that a massage can sometimes leave the muscles feeling quite wobbly. Yet at the same time, I know it can be quite restorative, when done right. Do any dancers or teachers have thoughts on this?

Well, wouldn't the other dancers trip over the masseuse?

Oh, you meant when she was offstage....

Actually I was thinking of hiding the masseuse under Mother Ginger's skirt, but if you think that would distract the other dancers....

Well, it might distract Mother Ginger, for sure....

OK, one last try. Does anybody have a real answer?

Are you asking if it's OK to get a massage in the middle of the run -- for example, between performances -- or during a performance.

My gut feeling is that it would be fine to get a massage after a performance...but I'm not particularly knowledgeable about this.

Anyone else?

I've had massages before class and I have to say it wasn't the best time for it. As you say it leaves you a bit wobbly and to be honest I think I would have rather gone home and relaxed in front of a TV rather than dance at that point. If it's on an off-day perhaps? (It is a lovely idea as a gift.)

I have had massages whist in a mid performance run and found that they were most helpful when it was timed with a few days off after.

Is "that part" Clara?

I think that Moms need a massage as well.

I concur with Lucy. Massages during a run are great as long as there is time off for recovery. For a 12 yr. old that recovery time will probably be quicker than mine, but she shouldn't have the massage the same day as a performance.

I know that there are different types of massages. Some are suitable as a sort of warm up and for injury prevention, others are deep massages and leave the muscles wobbly, as you say, and should not be done before a performance.

I have no experience with massages in relation to dance performances, but I do in relation to intense sport activities. I assume that the same rules apply.

A good massage therapist should be able to advice.

Gee, I wish that when I was 12 my Mom had arranged a massage for me! I think it is a lovely idea. I would suggest asking the therapist for a gentle to medium pressure for her since she has never had a massage before. And, I agree with the above posters to time it preceeding a day off. You could treat her to this at the end of the run, which would also be a lovely reward for all the hard work! Merde to your daughter for her perfomances!

I would hope someone this age wouldn't NEED a massage! But if they do, then perhaps what other have indicated would be fine and appropriate.

If you're looking for somekind of special "treat" for your daughter, I might recommend taking her to high tea somewhere or having her get a facial at a spa.

thank you, all! I agree that a kid this age doesn't NEED a massage, but I'm just looking more for ways to keep the whole experience fun and as low-stress as possible. She is doing Clara and, while the actual dancing probably adds up to less than one decent class, I know the hoopla surrounding it all can make for tense muscles. But, not knowing a masseuse well enough around here that I could say "keep it light" and get just that, it probably would be best to go with just a nice hair appointment (gotta stay on top of that ringlet damage). I agree -- Mom deserves to get the massage. And a snappy little pinot grigio