"It has long been recognised that many sports and dance injuries are easily avoided through suitable warming up and cooling down. However, there are many misconceptions about what is appropriate and necessary, and teachers and those running dance clubs are therefore often unsure about introducing the activity. The aim of this booklet is to give an understanding of the whys and wherefores of warm up and cool down and remove that uncertainty. There has been much study of the medical aspects of preparation for dance, and we provide an overview of the issue, with references for those interested in finding out more."