Motivation
Motivation is the driving force behind any activity. This seminar helps the dancer to explore where his/her motivation for dancing comes from, and how to keep it up.

Stress and performance anxiety
Understanding the causes of stress is an essential step before trying to get rid of it. This talk shows where stress can come from, how it can translate in anxiety, and gives the dancer tips on how to recognize and overcome it.

Self-esteem and confidence
This session is very important for the dancer to develop his/her confidence inside and outside the studio. Self-esteem depends on many factors which will be addressed and discussed.

Eating disorders
It is common for dancers to develop eating disorders as a consequence of emotional and psychological troubles. This session helps the dancer/teacher to recognize the signs of these disorders and to learn to deal with them.

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Anatomy of movement 1&2

This topic, divided into two seminars, is an essential session for any dancer to learn how the body moves. Looking at the upper body, lower body, the spine, bones, muscles, joints. Particular attention is given to muscular imbalance, to understand how it develops and how to avoid it. Basic concepts of biomechanics are discussed to show how dance movements can be improved.

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Physiology of dance 1&2

What happens to the dancer’s metabolism (heart rate, breathing, etc.) while dancing? What is important to know in terms of aerobic/anaerobic fitness training inside and outside the studio. How do the muscles work? What happens during a contraction or a stretch? Why is it important to breathe correctly during exercising?

Nutrition for dance

What should dancers eat and drink to stay healthy and perform at best? How to plan and maintain a healthy diet with little money and irregular schedules?

Female athletic triad

It is common for female dancers to have troubles with their menstrual cycle (amenorrhea), with their eating habits, and with bone degeneration (osteoporosis). These three factors (triad) seem to be linked. This session is informative, preventive and helps dealing with the female athletic triad.

Overtraining and burnout

It is common for dancers to overwork, more than the body and mind can take. This session helps the dancer and teacher recognizing the symptoms of overtraining and burnout (psychological and physiological) and gives tips on how to overcome it.

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80% of dancers get injured during their careers. In this seminar we discuss the common injuries in dance, their causes, effects, and management. Particular emphasis is given on prevention and safe dance practice.

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This is a more technical, informative session for teachers and dancers with an interest in dance science. It gives an overview of the latest papers presented at the IADMS (International Association for Dance Medicine and Science) meetings.

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Experiential anatomy for dancers NEW!

In this series of informational/practical sessions for dance students we will examine the structure, function and common injuries of foot & ankle, knee, hip, spine, shoulder girdle. Seminars incorporate somatic movement explorations to integrate theory with self-awareness. Components include: introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the locomotor system, joint structure and movement potential, assessment of alignment, strength and flexibility, injury risk factors and common dance injuries, preventative exercise.

Posture and dynamic alignment in dance

This session explores the anatomical posture and shows how alignment can be maintained during movement. Pictures of each dancer can be taken to show them their own alignment and work on it.

Efficient warm up

This is an extremely important session for each dancer wanting to pursue a career in dance or not. Warming up properly before performance or class is essential to maintain a healthy functioning of the body. The lack of warm-up is one of the causes of injury. This is a practical session showing different warm-up techniques, including breath awareness.

Visualisation and dance technique

This experiential workshop connects the mind to inspire the body using mental images, and visualization techniques for a more pleasant and efficient movement. .

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Introduction to somatic techniques

This session includes the discussion of the somatic theory, how somatic disciplines can be beneficial for dancers, and the practice of some basic sensing-feeling-action exercises. Particular attention is given to the breath to show how it connects the mental and the physical aspects.

Yoga with awareness

Hatha Yoga; an introduction to yogic postures and breathing practices to discover and sense the body from within, and to learn to release localized tension. Ashtanga Yoga; dancers’ favourite style of Yoga, Ashtanga is a powerful and cardiovascular work to increase stamina, strength, balance and flexibility. Avoiding the harsh postures (legs behind the head etc.) this is a good and complete fitness training for the dancer.

Feldenkrais Method™

This is a practical introduction to the Feldenkrais Method™, Awareness Through Movement, exploring different ways of initiating the movement. The benefits for dancers will be explained and experienced..

Stress Management

This session is a proper stress release experience. Based on a sequence of stimulation-relaxation input on the body-mind system it helps in the self management of excessive tension..

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The Ken Eyerman Technique of Bodywork and Movement

KET is an ideal regenerating bodywork for dancers. In this session dancers and teachers will learn basic principles and massage techniques of the KET. The work is carried out in couples.

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