The University of Arizona School of Dance has always been synonymous with energy,
rhythm, and movement. However, even the most dynamic performers and dancers need
moments of reprieve to restore their bodies and minds. The recent “Active Recovery
Day” served as a testament to the school’s commitment to the holistic well-being of its
students and faculty.
This unique event followed closely on the heels of the Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase, a
weekend filled with captivating performances, creativity, and dedication. The School of
Dance recognizes that after such an intense and physically demanding showcase, it’s
crucial to provide a day for recuperation and rejuvenation.
The Active Recovery Day began with a series of wellness activities designed to nurture
both body and soul. Casidy Chan, a third-year student at the University of Arizona
School of Dance, expressed the importance of this event. She shared her experience of
starting the day with Pilates and stretching led by Sarah Lisette Chiesa. This was
followed by a calming yoga session with Liz George and concluded with a deeply
restorative meditation and partner massage facilitated by Tamara Dyke-Compton.
Casidy reflected on the day as “restorative” and how it allowed participants to unwind
after a busy weekend of performances.
Sarah Lisette Chiesa, a new assistant professor in the School of Dance, talked about the
necessity for a day of rest after the demanding Jazz in AZ weekend. She emphasized
the importance of engaging and strengthening the body through practices like Pilates
but also stressed the importance of softening, finding rest, and allowing the body to
recuperate.
Liz George, an associate professor, described the day as an opportunity to “honor our
wellness” and emphasized the importance of balance in the lives of dancers.
Participants experienced a mix of stretching, yoga, and meditation, all aimed at healing
and balancing the body.
Tamara Dyke-Compton, the associate director of the School of Dance, excitedly shared
the day’s activities, including meditation practices and partner massage fascia release.
The goal of these practices was to restore the dancers and prepare them for another
week of hard work.The Active Recovery Day underscores the School of Dance’s commitment to the well-
being of its students and faculty. It offers a reminder that physicality and artistry must
be balanced with mindfulness and self-care. In a world that often demands constant
activity, the School of Dance continues to stand out by recognizing the importance of
rest, recovery, and holistic well-being. This commitment to nurturing both the body and
spirit ensures that the dancers of the University of Arizona School of Dance continue to
thrive and bring their unique artistry to life.
Story and Video by Nathaniel Urie