Why should dancers do yoga if they’re already flexible?

Short answer: Because yoga gives dancers more than stretch. It builds strength and control in the shapes where you’re already flexible. It trains balance and breath. And it gives you calm classes where your body can recover between rehearsals and shows. At yum, yum at sea and yum on fire are for strength, yum on earth is for calm and aerial yoga is for playing in the air. Classes are taught in English by the canal in Sydhavn.

Isn’t it just more stretching?

No. Many dancers can get far into a shape. The hard part is being strong once you’re there. In yoga you hold poses, move slowly between them and use your core all the way. That’s strength and control, not just length. And it’s nice to move without a mirror, a routine or someone counting.

Which yum classes suit dancers?

• yum at sea (60–75 min): The same sequence every time, with extra focus on alignment. It’s built for strength and flexibility.
• yum on fire (60–75 min): Dynamic and sweaty, with head- and handstands. Good if you want arms and core in the mix.
• yum in the sky (60–75 min): A slow flow that gets your body “groovin’ and flowin'”. Dancers tend to feel at home here.
• yum on earth (60–75 min): Slow and grounding. For the days your body needs a break from hard training.
• Aerial yoga (60 min): Yoga poses in hammocks, with elements of acrobatics and dance. Start with aerial basics, or choose aerial retreat for calm.

See every class on Class descriptions and read What is aerial yoga?.

What if I’m very flexible?

Then you’re in good company among dancers. Use your flexibility wisely. Don’t go all the way into every pose just because you can. Focus on holding, not hanging. Tell your teacher and you’ll get a focus on strength instead of depth. If you have pain or an injury, talk to a physio or doctor.

Can yoga fit into a busy dance week?

Yes, if you keep it real. A calm class on a day off and a stronger class on a light training day is a good start. Check the schedule and pick the times that actually fit around your classes and rehearsals.

How do I get started?

Try yum intro: 30 days of unlimited yoga, aerial included, and 10% off in the café. Try the strong ones, the calm ones and the ones in the air. Afterwards you can hang out in the café, no mirror, no counting, just people you’ve got to know on the mat.

FAQ

Is yoga good for dancers?

For many dancers, yes. Yoga trains strength, balance, body control and breath, and it gives you calm classes for recovery. It doesn’t replace dance or strength training, but it’s a good addition.

I’m already flexible. What do I get from yoga?

Strength and control in the shapes you can already get into, plus balance and calm. Focus on holding the pose strongly rather than going as deep as possible.

Which yum class should I start with as a dancer?

yum at sea if you want to build strength and flexibility. yum in the sky if you love flow. yum on earth for recovery. If you’re new to yoga, yum basic elements is a good start.

Are classes taught in English?

Yes. All classes at yum are taught in English. Only if everyone in the room speaks Danish may the class be in Danish.

How can I try it?

With yum intro: 30 days of unlimited yoga and 10% off in the café. It’s for people who haven’t been a member in the past six months. After that it continues as a membership unless you cancel before it ends. See price and terms at yum.dk/intro/.

Read also: Which yoga is best for climbers?