Thank you to Conference Coordinator Hailey McLeod and the HDC Conference Committee for their excellent work on HDC's Annual Conference 2017, from November 10-12 in Calgary, AB. Canadian and international attendees and presenters enjoyed an educational weekend of eclectic performances, thought-provoking presentations, lively panel discussions, engaging workshops and plenty of networking opportunities.

Congratulations to Siobhan Mitchell, recipient of the 2017 HDC Research Award.

"I have a greater understanding of the issues involved in maintaining dancer wellness, particularly in young dancers. I enjoyed seeing young dancers, experienced dancers, teachers, and healthcare professionals come together to network and discuss how to make dance better for everyone. I particularly enjoyed the panel sessions, where people from a range of backgrounds (academic, studio-based, healthcare-based, performance-based) shared insights on the same question or challenge posed. I also thoroughly enjoyed attending an open rehearsal of Decidedly Jazz Dancework’s upcoming show, and appreciate how dance from the host city of the conference was represented.
     I was particularly impacted by Erika Mayall's session about dance’s role in social media, and how what we endorse or post on social media impacts dancers’ aspirations for their bodies and careers. I am inspired to create positive content for social media in different ways moving forward. I also enjoyed the session on the healing power of hoop dancing, and would love to see dance from more cultures represented at these conferences in the future. I am grateful to the Healthy Dancer Canada Financial Assistance Program for providing me with funding to attend this conference."  (Mariel, Masters Student)

HDC was well represented at the IADMS Conference in Houston, TX, October 12-15, 2017. Seen here are: HDC member Bonnie Robson; HDC Board of Directors Karen Sudds, David Outevsky, Erika Mayall, Nefeli Tsioutis; HDC Vice President Karine Rathle: our partner Safe in Dance International's Maggie Morris and Sonia Rafferty; Board of Director Sarah Kenny; and HDC member Tanya Berg.

HDC is at a world class competitive ballroom event. This is the first time a dance health organization is attending a DanceSport event!
Come enjoy the competition, set in one of Toronto’s most iconic ballrooms at the Fairmount Royal York hotel in downtown Toronto. 

• Friday March 17th, 2017 features fantastic dancing of all levels and ages in Standard and Smooth categories, and a show that is sure to be one of the best you will see all year.
• Friday March 17th and Saturday March 18, 2017, will be full of all of the Pro-Am and Professional competitions we all know and love. All levels, as well as scholarships and DanceSport series events will be contested.
• Finally, Saturday evening will be topped off with great Professional and Amateur presentations full of surprises.

We are sharing the importance of dancer health and wellness to this unique dance community!

HDC member and Media Coordinator Hannah Etlin-Stein will be interviewed on the Career Buzz Show on CIUT 89.5 FM radio WEDNESDAY MARCH 8TH at 11am EST! Hannah will be discussing her career as a Pilates Instructor and Dance Science Consultant as well as discussing her upcoming course on Safe Dance Practice. Tune in!!
http://www.ciut.fm/shows-2/spoken-word/career-buzz/

HDC member, Sebastien Hamel, will be interviewed by HDC Board Member, Nicole Hamilton, on CIUT 89.5 FM's The Career Buzz Show on February 15 at 11AM. Don't miss it!