How to Dance while wearing a Mask

Tips on how to wear a mask comfortably while dancing

Wearing a mask while dancing can be difficult. Shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches and fatigue are some of the conditions that people have said they have experienced while exercising in one. In fact, the World Health Organization has stated on their website that "People should NOT wear masks when exercising, as masks may reduce the ability to breath." The website explains how the masks can absorb sweat which leads to the growth of microorganisms. The organization goes on to say that maintaining physical distance of at least one meter is the correct preventive measure. So this means we don't have to wear a mask while dancing right?

Long answer short, yes! In Japan, many dance studios ask you to wear a mask while exercising. Before you ditch the mask, it is important to read the following information.

With the pandemic being worldwide, the following information does not only apply to dancers in Japan. If you would like any of the products mentioned in this article or further information from your home country, then hopefully a quick Internet search could help you find something available.

1.Check the country’s regulations you are currently staying in .

Check on what the country you are currently living in is doing. For Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare website has a detail explanation about what each sector of the community should do to prevent the spread of infectious deceases. However there is a lot of information to shift through and difficult to cypher as majority of the information is written in Japanese (even with help from google chrome). But it is heavily implied that you should wear a mask when in the presence of other people and this includes while exercising.

2.Check the policy at the studio you are training in

It is a good idea to check the prevention of infectious deceases policy at the studio you are training in. Many businesses have declared a policy to insure the safety of their customers. For example, some dance studios in Japan have improved their ventilation system and promise to air out the room every 30 minutes or only allow a certain number of people into a room. Many studios require people to wear masks. If the studio website or flyer information is vague, then it’s best not to go. Do not compromise your health and the health of others if you honestly feel a environment is not safe. There are always other options for training.

Here is a list of studios by prefecture for you to check which have updated their health and safety policy.

There is a lot of information going around and some of it can be contradictory. The best thing to do in Japan is follow the establishment (school, company, dance studio) rules. Check your prefectures regulations as well , for some prefectures may differ due to each prefectural lock down/social distancing regulations.

3. Have a disposable masks at hand.

Masks have now become a daily necessity and therefore come in all kinds of forms. Keeping a few disposable masks is useful for when you forget or something happens to the mask you’re currently wearing. For dancers, it may be a good idea to wear a more durable mask when traveling or doing non rigorous activities and swap to a disposable mask before training. Depending on how hard you trained , you could bin the disposable mask after the session or keep it for next time. Not only does this help cut down breathing in CO2 emissions but helps your durable mask last longer. Plus, disposable masks tend to be made of lighter material so it’s easier to breath in. But check the instructions on how long you should wear the masks and the correct way to bin them.

Disposable Masks from Daiso, Japan

There are packs of large quantities of disposable masks available online and in stores. Just make sure they are suitable for the task you intend to wear them for.

Alternatively, why not invest in a reusable mask. They can be available in packs of up to four or five, which makes them perfect for planning ahead of time.

There are also mask cases to keep your mask in and sprays to clean, add further protection and help your mask smell better.

Mask Spray

If you are training at a studio, please check to see if it it mandatory to wear a mask during a lesson.

4. Advocate for your own health

Do you have any preexisting respiratory condition? During a session do you start to fell unwell? It is important to take care of any preexisting conditions and speak up if you start to feel unwell. Take a break if you are running out of breath during a session and drink water to stay hydrated.

To summarize

Majority of dance schools and rental studios in Japan are doing the whatever it takes to ensure the safety of their members. By wearing a mask, you are not only helping to improve your own safety, but that of those around you. Either regularly change or clean your mask to further support the ease of wearing one. If you feel unwell while training, take a break, drink some water and let someone know.

LiD hopes that everyone can still find a safe space to practice dancing. Check out our other post about practicing social distancing as a dancer.

For more information on dancing with a mask, please check the links below:

Dance Magazine's How to Dance in a Face Mask

Dance Magazine's Here's What Experts Say to Look For in a Mask for Dancing