Going to Class When it’s Freezing Outside
It’s below freezing and my toes feel like they can snap off any minute. Frostbite is coming for me. There’s not enough Vaseline in this world to save my lips from how sore they are right now. I haven’t had chapped lips since I was in primary school in the North of England. In what feels like the most British thing I’ve ever done, I had a 2 hour video chat with the girls last night about the weather, and our conclusion was “At the end of the day, I’m actually black so I can’t”. I can’t. I truly cannot. What I’m telling you is: I was not made for this!
Living in London when it’s -3 feels like a personal attack on my life. Even though I’m about to recommend everyone wear a proper coat to stay warm, this is my confession: I don’t even own one. I’ve been looking for months but haven’t found one I like, so I definitely need to take my own advice. I bought one at the end of last year but people said I looked like a football manager wearing it, so I sent it back. Now I’m regretting that decision. I can be a football manager so long as I’m warm. I could even help Arsenal win the Premier League if you can give me a crumb of mild weather. But enough about my coat dilemma. Let’s talk about how to survive in ballet class when it feels like the Arctic outside.
Leg Warmers, Leg Warmers, Leg Warmers
They’re not just an 80’s throwback, they’re an essential part of winter dancewear. They come in all lengths, from ankle to thigh-high, the latter being my fave, and they are perfect for keeping your legs toasty during class. Bonus tip: if you’re dealing with an injury, double up on the affected area. I always put two on my injured leg to keep my Achilles warm and happy, because if it gets cold it gets stiffer than Tina’s twerk from Bob’s Burgers.
While I absolutely love ballet winter fashion (think cutesy soft shrugs, chunky knits, old comfy t-shirts thrown over your uniform and those adorable warm-up moon boots), I cannot stand the cold. It’s truly a love-hate relationship. Dressing the part makes the cold a little bit more bearable though and I will take any win I can get at this point.
Warm-Up With Intention (And Resistance)
In winter, warming up is even more crucial. When it’s this cold, muscles take longer to loosen up, and starting too fast can increase the risk of injury. I spend extra time at the start of class focusing on dynamic warm-ups and resistance band work. This helps get the blood flowing, engages the muscles, and ensures everyone is ready to move safely.
Here’s what I tend to focus on in class on cold days:
Resistance band footwork to activate the calves, ankles, feet, arches and toes.
Lots of barrework. Gentle pliés and tendus to ease into larger movements.
Upper body stretches to loosen tight shoulders and necks from all those heavy winter layers and hunched penguin postures!
The goal is to create internal heat before tackling bigger exercises. So, if you’re feeling stiff when you arrive, don’t worry—we’ll work through it together! Luckily most modern studios are equipped with proper heating, meaning you get an optimum temperature to perform, but if you’re still in one of those old school venues, I’d recommend taking it easy in class on freezing days.
Remember: You’re Building Resilience and Discipline
Being very real for a second: skipping class because it’s cold is tempting. You need a whole different mindset to do ballet in winter. Everytime I try to leave my house something keeps pulling me back, that something is my sofa and a big blanket. But every time you firm it and brave the chill, you’re proving something to yourself. Showing up on days like this builds resilience and strengthens your commitment to your craft. Even though right now I want to hi-ber-nate. This is a skill that will take you through life.
Treat Yourself After Class
If you’ve made it to class on a day when it feels like the world is frozen over, you deserve a reward. A little treat. For me after class on a cold day, I’m making prawn pasta with a cream and white wine sauce, with parmesan, tonnes of garlic and parsley. But if I had a bathtub at home, I would be in that tub with some epsom salts, candles going and some lavender bath oil.
I need something to reinforce the habit of showing up, even when it’s tough.
Extra stuff in your dance bag
Bring the things you need. If the studio is your second home you need to be comfortable there right? So bring the things you need. This is what is coming with me on a freezing cold day:
A little something for my edges: As soon as this wooly hat comes off my hair will be done out. Maybe time for a silk lined one?
Lip Treatment: Prayers for my lips, please. I had spicy rice tonight, and it genuinely burned—and we all know how mild Nando’s spicy rice is.
Theragun: DOMS are kicking all the way in after the gym sessions I had this week after taking December off. I don’t know if I can back up from a full plié today. My theragun is best shot at getting up from 4th today. I’ll be hammering my quads on the journey to the studio on the bus. Hopefully that will have my muscles feeling ready to move as it helps me recover more quickly.
A whole box of tissues: A little pack might not cut it today. This isn’t just me for, this is for the ballerinas in class too, because it will be sniffles galore.
Thermos: The one I have isn’t anything special but it keeps drinks hot all day. I might even bring a kettle with how I’m feeling.
Final Thoughts
This cold is harsh, but it doesn’t have to stop you from doing what you love. Layer up, warm up properly, and make sure you have a little treat waiting for you after class. Every time you show up on a freezing day, you’re building not just your skills, but your resilience.
And if you see a coat that doesn’t scream Arsène Wenger but still keeps you warm, send me the link.