|
Lecture-Workshop: The Effect of Neuromuscular Conditioning on Landing Progressions in Ballet Technique (Karen Sudds, Sheahan Keinick)Purpose: Dance is a jump-intensive activity with dancers incurring forces at the knee of between three to five times their body-weight in a single saute. Studies suggest the majority of dance related injuries occur in the lower extremities, with knee, and ankle injuries being the most common. Neuromuscular conditioning programs have been shown to improve power, strength and neuromuscular control concomitant with improved lower-extremity landing biomechanics in female athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this workshop is to help participants gain an understanding of Neuromuscular Conditioning (NMC) and how it can benefit adolescent dancers.
Drawing on a collaboration between researcher and dance educator, NMC exercises will be directly applied to specific ballet exercises demonstrating the practical application and transference of knowledge within a traditional class structure. Target Population: This interactive movement session is designed for dance educators, health care providers and strength training coaches working with adolescent ballet dancers. Format:The structure of the workshop will consist of both research presentation and experiential components. The authors will lead a selection of neuromuscular conditioning exercises and immediately apply them to related ballet vocabulary. Desired Outcomes: The integration of evidence based research and practical application will provide participants with a greater understanding of how neuromuscular conditioning may improve technique, decrease risk of injury and be an effective tool for changing movement patterns during jumping and landing. The collaboration between sport/dance science and classical dance pedagogy, will demonstrate how researchers and dance teachers can effectively work together to benefit a dancer’s training. Relevance to conference theme: Communicate the importance of scientific findings and research based neuromuscular conditioning. Collaboration between researcher and traditional ballet instructor to improve the dancers landing skills and related technique. Create a superior dancer and bring the communities of dance science and classical dance closer to a place of essential understanding, growth and unification. |
Karen Sudds |
Karen is the Founder and Director of Crossings Dance in Calgary, Alberta and Director Emeritus of Corps Bara Dance Theatre. In addition to her thirty years of experience in both the pedagogical and artistic performance aspects of dance, she is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Dance Science at the University of Wolverhampton, UK. Karen also holds her Pilates Mat Certification through Pilates Core Integration and is a member of the Board of Directors of Healthy Dancer Canada and their Conference Committee. Karen is committed to developing strong and healthy dancers through the integration of dance science and research practises within the local dance school.
|