What are the first few words that come to mind when you think of the word “dance”? If they’re not strength, endurance, and dedication, then you may want to head over to your earliest dance recital and brush up on your understanding of this graceful art form.

Dance, while a beautiful art form, is also a tough physical practice that requires dedication and endurance.

FCC dancer Jamar Thompson, a dance major and participant in the recent spring City Dance concert, understands how important eating healthy and keeping fit can be.

“I workout for about 3 hours. I start with cardio for about an hour. People call me crazy because I do it for an hour, but, I like to sweat,” he states. “Then I go straight to abs and work out my core for about 30 minutes to 40 minutes. And then I’ll pick a specific body part to work out that day.”

Thompson is one of many FCC students who were involved in City Dance, which spanned from April 10-13 and showcased 10 dance pieces, each portraying unique dance styles, such as hip hop, contemporary and traditional ballet. The performance, which was held in the FCC Theatre, encompassed small dance duets as well as large-scale pieces with more than 20 students performing on stage simultaneously.

The bi-annual event is directed by FCC dance faculty member Jimmy Hao and choreographed by both adjunct instructors and students alike.

Thompson, an avid fan of ballet, states that he avoids any leg workouts outside of his usual dance practices to avoid over-exertion or injuries.

“I get all the legwork that I need with dance,” he said.

He also ensures that his diet is as clean and healthy as possible.

 “I eat a lot of fish and chicken. I try not to eat out really often,” he says. Thompson, who doesn’t consume the ever-popular protein shakes because he gets “all his protein from food,” does, however, advocate for people to eat certain items. Tuna, leafy greens and peanut butter are at the top of his list.

 Not all dancers are as strict as Thompson. Marina Zentunyan, a fellow FCC dancer, gets her physical fitness mostly from dance workouts.

“I feel like we tone more than gain muscle,” Zentunyan says. “Little tiny muscles, that you probably never think you would ever use in your life, you use in dance.”

Zachary Garcia, also a dance major and participant in City Dance, emphasizes countering your strengths with your weaknesses by focusing on them more.

“You need the flexibility but you also need the strength. You can’t have one or the other. I feel like with a lot of boys, with me too, I have the strength but I don’t have the flexibility,” he says.

One common tip given by dancers is to respect the limits of your body.

“Just really be patient with it and really pay attention to [your] body,” says Jean Vang, an FCC dancer who enjoys hip hop as well as ballet.

“Don’t overwork your body. You only have one body so if you’re going to do something, you have to learn to do it correctly,” he adds.

Lastly, it is recommended to always have a set goal in mind, regardless of what sort of physical or artistic practice you are participating in.

“If you want to work out, you have to have a goal in mind,” Thompson says. “ If you see a vision for yourself for what you want to be, it makes it that much easier.”