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From Abstract to Action: practical ways to bring physical and mental health support to the studio

Obstacles:

Time

Money

Space

Resource Availability

Traditions/Stigma

Solutions:

Time

  • Offer services before the day, during lunch, at the end of the day. 

  • Be intentional with the schedule. Don't be afraid to change the "way things always are". Add small intervals in technique class such as single leg heel raises or sautes between each center combination.

  • Perfect is the enemy of good! Something is better than nothing.

Money

  • Make it a budget line item. Then fundraise for it.

  • Set up a monthly workshop that covers a variety of topics, giving dancers autonomy.

  • Prioritize. Change the language to acknowledge priorities, not deficits.

Tradition

  • Educate.​​

  • Offer enrichment seminars by local experts

  • Share current literature with staff

  • Ask for dancer input

  • Acknowledge the importance of mental health in the dance space.

  • Share your experiences if you feel comfortable.

  • Model self care and emotional regulation.

Resource availability

Participant suggestions:

Campus Works www.campusworksinc.com

Findahelpline.com

​References:

  1. Mathisen TF, Sundgot-Borgen C, Anstensrud B, Sundgot-Borgen J. Intervention in professional dance students to increase mental health- and nutrition literacy: A controlled trial with follow up. Front Sports Act Living. 2022 Sep 21;4:727048. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2022.727048. PMID: 36213449; PMCID: PMC9532567.

  2. Kalaycioglu T, Apostolopoulos NC, Goldere S, Duger T, Baltaci G. Effect of a Core Stabilization Training Program on Performance of Ballet and Modern Dancers. J Strength Cond Res. 2020 Apr;34(4):1166-1175. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002916. PMID: 32213784.

  3. Bronner S, McBride C, Gill A. Musculoskeletal injuries in professional modern dancers: a prospective cohort study of 15 years. J Sports Sci. 2018 Aug;36(16):1880-1888. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1423860. Epub 2018 Jan 10. PMID: 29320307.

Contact information:

Jennifer Milner: jennifer@jennifer-milner.com

@jennifer.milner

 

Sheyi Ojofeitimi, PT, DPT, OCS, CFMT: drsheyi@danceready.org

@dancereadyproject  @drsheyipt

 

Kathleen McGuire Gaines: kathleen@wearemindingthegap.org

@we.are.minding

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