I can't tell you the number of times I have walked into a dance studio before class to see dancers arriving and going straight into stretching, no aerobic warm-up or cardio of any description. I know when I was at school it was normal practice at the beginning of a PE lesson to stretch, hamstrings, quads, glutes, all on cold muscles. Now we are much better informed, and know that it is imperative that the muscles are warm prior to stretching to avoid tears and strains.
How many dancers do you see running around the dance studio to get their bodies warm before class?
To be able to perform at your optimal potential you need to arrive at class 15 - 30 minutes before the "warm-up" section of the class. Of course we are used to beginning class with plies etc to warm up the joints, the feet and ease your body into the class, however warming up your body thoroughly prior to this will ensure you muscles are more pliable and you are less prone to injury.
Before you stretch you should include some form of aerobic exercise such as circuits of the studio, small jumps, running on the spot, anything to increase your heart rate and warm up your muscles. Only once your muscles are warm should you begin stretching. Also be aware that your muscles will be much more responsive to stretching at the end of the class, so stretching prior to class should be a lot lighter than at the end. This should be softly stretch the muscles to allow for more freedom of movement and avoidance of injury during class. Stretching for increased flexibility should always be completed after class when you muscles are at their most pliable.
Correct warm-up and cool down will help to protect your body against tears and strains and much more serious injury.
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