SciDance

Leila Kester speaks on pilates for dancers. This episode considers pilates as a “cross training” method for the mind, recognising the power of noticing and observing movement, with less judgement. We discuss the purpose of slower, more mindful movement for development as artists, and the way this can shape and enhance a dance career.

Markella Kefallonitou, pilates instructor at White Lodge, talks about her work at the Royal Ballet School with young dancers. Markella gives insight into the role of pilates for dancers’ training, the key benefits, and the collaboration also with S&C and the artistic staff. We untie common criticisms of pilates, and discuss the relevance to dance training and subsequent meaningful engagement of the students, including the role of theory and critical thinking. Markella also speaks about how the skills learned can be taken forwards by graduates in their dance career, and after.

Catherine Haber discusses her research focusing on the use of spotting in pirouettes. Drawing on this research, Catherine notes key aspects of research methods, discussing the challenges the dance presents to research and highlighting the importance of considering multiple approaches to research. Tying in research onions and biomechanics, Catherine provides practical examples for the way different research methods hold different implications for participants, researchers, and dancers.

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Ashley McGill discusses her research into Dance for Parkinson’s at ENB. We look at the Dance for Parkinson’s programme, and Ashley’s two studies evaluating the programme through a mixed methods approach. This episode also debates the results of the work, and considers future applications of the research in a healthcare setting.

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Robert Tsai talks about strength and conditioning for young dancers. Rob discusses working as a physical therapist, and finding value in helping dancers improve with strength training. We discuss dancers’ response to S&C, and creating new movement experiences for dancers This episode focuses on ways increase engagement with S&C in fun and play.

Find Rob here -

Brooke Winder talks about pelvic floor health. As a physical therapist and educator, Brooke discusses existing research in pelvic floor health on female athletes, and areas for further research. Brooke talks about what the pelvic floor is, the role/function, major flags, and treatment options. We focus on the importance of the pelvic floor for dancers, and how dancers can optimise their pelvic floor health.

Thank you to The Place London for sponsoring this episode. Located in the heart of London, The Place is a creative powerhouse for dance development that is leading the way in dance training, creation and performance. One of Europe’s most exciting, innovative dance spaces, where artists from all over the world come to push creative boundaries, to experiment and to perform outstanding new work. Learn more here: https://www.theplace.org.uk

Find Brooke here -

Archie James discusses his journey through ballet training to physiotherapy, reflecting on new knowledge and learned experience. Archie chats about what he wishes he knew as a ballet dancer, what he would have done differently, and changes that may encourage this in a pre professional environment such as in sports psychology. We look at potential routes into physiotherapy for dancers, and the application process, as well as the merits of a background in dance. Importantly, we focus on the personal development involved in stepping away from ballet, in critical thinking, research, evaluating information, autonomy, and mindset, ultimately advocating for more science integration into ballet training for empowerment.

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Sonia Rafferty, dance science practitioner, begins by discussing her values and ethos in dance science. We look at the language used around dance science and the potential impacts of this on the connections with the wider dance community. Sonia talks about Safe in Dance International, the importance of awareness of the dancing body and mind, and practitioner experience. We also mention the effects of teaching online on student experience, and potential for future research in this area.

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Liz Bayley discusses West End Physiotherapy. We look at injuries in Musical Theatre, typical supplementary training for performers, and the importance of strength to improve performance and reduce injuries. We also look at screening in the West End, challenges of scheduling, and Liz discusses how her dance background plays into her current role.

Thank you to The Place London for sponsoring this episode. Located in the heart of London, The Place is a creative powerhouse for dance development that is leading the way in dance training, creation and performance. One of Europe’s most exciting, innovative dance spaces, where artists from all over the world come to push creative boundaries, to experiment and to perform outstanding new work. Learn more here: https://www.theplace.org.uk

Find Liz here -

Kendall Baab talks about personal training for younger dancers. We look at Kendall’s journey through grad school during Covid 19 and her MSc research into self efficacy and perfectionism in online classes. Kendall discusses her current work, providing personal dance training for younger dancers as well as online workshops for dancers and teachers. We chat about how dancers can learn more about dance science, and train smarter. We also touch on the using social media to share accessible dance science information.

Thank you to The Place London for sponsoring this episode. Located in the heart of London, The Place is a creative powerhouse for dance development that is leading the way in dance training, creation and performance. One of Europe’s most exciting, innovative dance spaces, where artists from all over the world come to push creative boundaries, to experiment and to perform outstanding new work. Learn more here: https://www.theplace.org.uk

Find Kendall here -

Adam Mattiussi and Joseph Shaw discuss research and S&C at the Royal Ballet. We discuss their PhDs, looking at injury, jumping, and training load. From a more applied perspective, Adam and Joe discuss the delivery and engagement of strength and conditioning in the company, as well as profiling. We also look at injury rehabilitation and prevention pathways, load monitoring, and working with artistic staff. Adam and Joe offer suggestions for potentially effective injury prevention and performance enhancement strategies.

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Mattiussi AM, Shaw JW, Williams S, et al. Injury epidemiology in professional ballet: a five-season prospective study of 1596 medical attention injuries and 543 time-loss injuries. British Journal of Sports Medicine. Published Online 09 April 2021. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2020-103817

Shaw JW, Mattiussi AM, Brown DD, et al. Dance Exposure, Individual Characteristics, and Injury Risk over Five Seasons in a Professional Ballet Company. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2021 Jun. DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002725.

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Recent dance science graduates Julie Ferrell-Olson, Louisa Petts and Sam Beckman discuss their research.

Julie Ferrell-Olson (Kinematic Impact of Socks on Contemporary Dance Practice) -

Tabitha Moorse, Madeleine Dardeau, and Beth Ackroyd discuss their experiences as dance science students graduating in 2020.

Tabitha Moorse -

Jeff Russell discusses performing arts healthcare. Jeff talks about his change in career path, his experiences in performing arts medicine, and advocacy aspects of his work. We look at the unique needs of performing arts populations, and the importance of supporting individuals. Jeff discusses the importance of community engaged work and research, and the way in which his passion and drive to help others are shaping his future work.

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Karen Sudds discusses her work into developing the 11+ Dance in a recreational setting. We look at her process, methods, and research findings in terms of physical improvements in her dancers. Karen also discusses the potential psychological aspects of this work, as well as anecdotal observations in the dancers technique and performance enhancement, and challenges and highlights of the study. We also chat about future developments of the 11+ Dance.

11+ Dance and injury prevention with Nico Kolokythas -

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/scidance/id1515498508?i=1000498763394

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gbTlboSbHqlNl2sNV5Gyb?si=yaBTx5F1T7ymgpymMiTcQw

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Caine D, Goodwin BJ, Caine CG, Bergeron G. Epidemiological Review of Injury in Pre-Professional Ballet Dancers. J Danc Med Sci. 2015;19(4):140-148. doi:10.12678/1089-313x.19.4.140

Liederbach M, Richardson M, Rodriguez M, Comgagno J, Dilgen FE, Rose DJ. Jump exposures in the dance training environment: a measure of ergonomic demand. J Athl Train. 2006;41:S85.

Allen N, Nevill A, Brooks J, Koutedakis Y, Wyon M. Ballet Injuries: Injury Incidence and Severity Over 1 Year. J Orthop Sport Phys Ther. 2012;42(9):781-A1. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3893

Myer GD, Ford KR, Palumbo JP, Hewett TE. Neuromuscular Training Improves Performance and Lower-Extremity Biomechanics in Female Athletes. J Strength Cond Res. 2005;19(1):51-60.

Ward RE. Biomechanical perspectives on classical ballet technique and implications for teaching practice. 2012.

Kolokythas N. Injuries and adolescent ballet dancers: Current evidence, epidemiology, and intervention. 2019. https://wlv.openrepository.com/handle/2436/623721.

Sadigursky D, Braid JA, De Lira DNL, Machado BAB, Carneiro RJF, Colavolpe PO. The FIFA 11+ injury prevention program for soccer players: A systematic review. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2017;9(1):1-8. doi:10.1186/s13102-017-0083-z

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Gemma Harman discusses the subjective voice of the performer. Informed by her PhD work, Gemma discusses her findings, the importance of performer experiences and subjective research, and the notion of performance enhancement. We also look at the role of reflective practice, and potential developments with future research.

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James Brouner, biomechanics and performance analysis researcher, discusses compensatory strategies in dancers. This episode looks at James' PhD work, investigating compensatory mechanics of movement, and the impact of fatigue and injury on these. James discusses the implications of research in this area in terms of balance for dancers, as well as potential implications for wider dance training.

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Jatin Ambegaonkar talks about improving health and wellness in dance, and the multiple external contributing factors to the wellbeing of dancers. We chat more generally about the approaches to research and the balance between clinical/lab work in dance science, and the importance of working within dancers' own settings and the dance population's unique needs. A discussion informed predominantly by supplemental training, we talk about the benefits of this for dancers in both injury risk reduction and performance enhancement. Importantly, Jatin looks at how teachers have the ability to create proactive environments in the studio that encourage healthy dancers, facilitating health literacy.

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Kozai, A., & Ambegaonkar, J. P. (2020). Health Literacy for Collegiate Dancers: Provision and Perceptions of Health-Related Education in University Dance Programs. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 24(3), 118–125. https://doi.org/10.12678/1089-313X.24.3.118

Ambegaonkar, J. P., & Brown, A. F. (2021). Nutrition Periodization in Dancers. Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America, 32(1), 65–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2020.09.001

Ambegaonkar, J. P., Chong, L., & Joshi, P. (2021). Supplemental Training in Dance: A Systematic Review. Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America, 32(1), 117–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2020.09.006

Find Jatin here -

Edel Quin discusses the intersection of somatic practices and dance science. We discuss what somatics is, the principles it is based in, and where it fits within/alongside theoretical frameworks and motor learning. Edel suggests what a somatic approach might be able to give us in dance training, discussing the potential benefits and the importance of experience. We also look at the possible challenges of somatic approaches to training. Finally, Edel shares her thoughts on 'Safe Dance Practice'.

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Valeriya Volkova discusses training loads. Building on S1 E4, Valeriya looks further into how we can measure training load, current sports science research in this field, and some of the challenges in translating sport protocols in the way that they measure and quantify training load into dance. We chat about Valeriya's own research, developing and validating protocol, as well as the relevance of buy-in from teachers, students, and parents. Drawing from her research which focuses on adolescent dancers, Valeriya offers potential future applications in this area for studios.

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Volkova, V. G., Black, A. M., & Kenny, S. J. (2020). Internal Training Load Measures in Elite Adolescent Ballet Dancers. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 24(4), 175-182.

Jeffries, A. C., Wallace, L., Coutts, A. J., Cohen, A. M., McCall, A., & Impellizzeri, F. M. (2020). Injury, Illness, and Training Load in a Professional Contemporary Dance Company: A Prospective Study. Journal of Athletic Training, 55(9), 967-976.

Gabbett, T. J. (2016). The training—injury prevention paradox: should athletes be training smarter and harder?. British journal of sports medicine, 50(5), 273-280.

Impellizzeri, F. M., Tenan, M. S., Kempton, T., Novak, A., & Coutts, A. J. (2020). Acute: chronic workload ratio: conceptual issues and fundamental pitfalls. International journal of sports physiology and performance, 15(6), 907-913.

Amanda Huke-Smith, performer and physiotherapist, gives an applied perspective on injury management. We discuss differing injury risks, research, and support in various genres of dance, and potential ways of overcoming injury stigma through normalising injuries. Amanda chats about the importance of developing an injury skillset, suggesting both physical and psychosocial strategies for dancers to develop, and shares what she wishes she could tell her younger self based on what she knows now.

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Dr Peta Blevins, dance scientist, educator, researcher, and consultant, talks about her research into psychological recovery for dancers. Peta chats about her PhD work, the practical applications of knowledge about recovery, and student/teacher attitudes towards psychological recovery. We look at mindfulness as a method of recovery for dancers and potential benefits of applying elements of this in our own practice, also highlighting the importance of a non-judgemental atmosphere and language shift to "noticing". Peta offers suggestions for how dancers and teachers could begin to apply this in the studio.

TAKE PART IN PETA'S RESEARCH HERE: https://eaecu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_235s9kvVMzA9UwZ

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Sarah Needham-Beck talks about the physiological demands of performance and touring in dance. Sarah discusses her PhD work, giving an introduction to researching cardiorespiratory fitness and the relationship to aesthetic competence. We focus on the challenges of prolonged performance periods in dance, and subsequently the importance of preparation for performance. Sarah gives suggestions for using the rehearsal period effectively and chats about some of the benefits of this in performance optimisation and reduced injury risk.

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Conversations between research and practice in dance science with Professor Emma Redding, Head of Dance Science at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. In the first half of this episode, Emma reflects on the early developments of dance science as a subject to study and research. In the second half, Emma talks about leading large scale dance science research projects. 

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The Development of Young Dance Talent funded by The Leverhulme Trust and the Department for Children, Families and Schools (2008-11).

The identification and development of talented young dancers with disabilities funded by Dance 4 (2011-13). 

Niall MacSweeney discusses how growth and maturation affects performance, and the impact of adolescent maturation on injury risk in elite pre-professional ballet. We talk about the student-focused approach to this at the Royal Ballet School, including profiling, the use of biological age, training adaptations and student/teacher education. Niall reflects on some of the challenges in tracking growth and maturation, the highlights and key findings in the research so far, as well as areas for possible development with future research. We also look at potential practical applications in translation of this work to other dance settings.

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Myers AM, Beam NW, Fakhoury JD. Resistance training for children and adolescents. Transl Pediatr 2017;6(3):137-143. doi: 10.21037/tp.2017.04.01

Lauersen JB, Andersen TE, Andersen LB. Strength training as superior, dose-dependent and safe prevention of acute and overuse sports injuries: a systematic review, qualitative analysis and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2018; 52:1557-1563.

Faigenbaum, Avery & Kraemer, William & Blimkie, Cameron & Jeffreys, Ian & Micheli, Lyle & Nitka, Mike & Rowland, Thomas. (2009). Youth Resistance Training: Updated Position Statement Paper From the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Journal of strength and conditioning research / National Strength & Conditioning Association. 23. S60-79. 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31819df407. 

Hill, Megan & Scott, Sam & McGee, Darragh & Cumming, Sean. (2020). Are relative age and biological ages associated with coaches’ evaluations of match performance in male academy soccer players?. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. 174795412096688. 10.1177/1747954120966886. 

Poggini L, Losasso S, Iannone S. Injuries during the dancer’s growth spurt: etiology, prevention, and treatment. J Dance Med Sci. 1999;3(2);73-9

Erin Sanchez talks about psychological skills training in young dancers. An introduction to her PhD, Erin discusses her main areas of focus and the significance of the different perspectives she is looking at. Erin shares more about how dancers differ from other athletes and how the support they receive may also differ, as well as anecdotally the differences in psychological support between those dancing recreationally and those in vocational training. This episode also looks at the role of the teacher and the student in being aware of, and providing, available support. Finally, we look further into how psychological skills training may play a role in success in the performing arts, but also the importance of this for the wellbeing of dancers as human beings. 

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Sanchez, E., Collins, D., MacNamara, A. (2020) Performance Psychology for Dancers, Crowood Press, UK.

Dr Lucie Clements, dance psychologist, talks about performance anxiety. We look at what performance anxiety is and how it differs to generalised anxiety or other forms of anxiety in dance, causes and symptoms of performance anxiety, and how it actually affects performance. This episode also explores how a pre performance routine can help performance anxiety, and offers advice for teachers and students on how to help manage or reduce performance anxiety.

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https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jmrp/jdms/2010/00000014/00000004/art00002

https://www.dancemagazine.com/performance-anxiety-2569045254.html

https://trinitylaban.wordpress.com/2017/02/23/performance-anxiety/

https://www.onedanceuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/losingyourselfintheworkorlosttonerves_1.pdf

Find Lucie here -