Safeguarding Dancers: A Comprehensive Guide to Injury Risk Management in Dance Studios | Lauren Newby*
Welcome to beyond the StEPS.
Dance is a beautiful and expressive art form that demands dedication, practice, and physical exertion. Alongside the artistic pursuit, it's crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of dancers. This article delves into the realm of injury risk management within dance studios, exploring how studio owners, teachers, and dancers themselves can collaborate to create a safer dance environment.Understanding Injury Risk Management: Injury risk management goes beyond mere injury prevention. It acknowledges that injuries are an inherent part of any physical activity, including dance. However, the goal is to mitigate the risks and ensure that dancers receive the appropriate care and support when injuries do occur.
The Shift from Injury Prevention to Risk Management: Traditionally, the focus has been on injury prevention, but recent developments in dance medicine and science have led to a shift in perspective. Dance medicine specialists now advocate for a more comprehensive approach known as "injury risk management." This approach acknowledges that injuries will happen but aims to minimize their impact and duration.
Building a Safety-Focused Studio Culture: Studio owners play a pivotal role in shaping the culture of their dance studios. Prioritizing safety requires fostering an environment where open communication is encouraged. Dancers should feel comfortable discussing discomfort, pain, or concerns about their physical well-being without fear of retribution.
Encouraging Communication and Transparency: Creating an atmosphere of trust begins with open communication. Studio owners and teachers must make it clear that dancers' well-being comes first. Encourage dancers to communicate any discomfort or pain they might be experiencing, even if it seems minor. When dancers know they can speak up without consequences, it empowers them to take control of their health.
Strengthening Studio-Health Professional Partnerships: Developing relationships with physical therapists, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning specialists is invaluable. These professionals can offer expert advice on injury prevention and risk management tailored to the unique demands of dance. Studio owners should view these partnerships as an extension of their commitment to dancer safety.
Integrating Injury Risk Management into Class Preparation: Preparing for dance classes should involve more than choreography and technique. Prior to each class, instructors should allocate a few minutes to assess the physical environment, the equipment to be used, and the preparedness of dancers. This proactive approach ensures that the studio is optimized for safety.
Transitioning from RICE to PEACE and LOVE: Injury management strategies have evolved, including a shift from the familiar RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to PEACE (Protect, Elevate, Avoid, Compress, Educate) and LOVE (Load, Optimism, Vascularization, Exercise). While the RICE method still provides comfort and pain relief, the newer strategies acknowledge the importance of maintaining blood flow to aid healing.
Emphasizing the Importance of Load Management: For dancers, "load" refers to the amount of physical stress placed on the body. Dance instructors should be mindful of load management, ensuring that dancers' bodies are not overexerted or subjected to excessive strain. Understanding load distribution and adapting choreography accordingly can prevent injuries caused by repetitive stress.
Your homework is simple yet impactful: Incorporate five minutes into your pre-class routine to assess studio equipment and lesson plans. Prioritize safety over artistic aspects during this time. This small shift in mindset can transform your teaching approach and ensure a safer learning environment.
Apolla Performance's innovative dance socks align perfectly with the concept of prioritizing safety in dance education. Just as teachers are encouraged to dedicate five minutes to ensure a secure environment, Apolla socks offer dancers the comfort, arch support, and stability needed to prevent injuries. With their patented technology, these socks not only enhance performance but also reduce ground force impact on the body, aligning with the principles of injury risk management. By wearing Apolla socks, dancers can focus on their technique, knowing that their physical well-being is supported every step of the way.
Prioritizing injury risk management within dance studios is an ongoing journey that requires a collective effort. Studio owners, instructors, and dancers must work together to create a safe and supportive environment. By embracing new strategies, fostering open communication, and building partnerships with health professionals, dance studios can ensure that dancers continue to flourish while minimizing the impact of injuries. Remember, the ultimate goal is to nurture healthy and empowered dancers who can pursue their passion with confidence.
*Lauren Newby is a dance teacher, choreographer, and Physical Therapist Assistant in New Jersey.
Lauren graduated from Union County College with her Applied Associates degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2016. She works at the Select Medical Sports Center of Excellence Powered by Kessler Rehabilitation Center in Union, NJ. As the Dance Specialist for Kessler, she focuses on educational programs regarding injury prevention and rehabilitation for local studios and dance programs.
Lauren is a member of Danse Medica and the Lead of their Executive Education Board. She is a Certified Pointe Shoe fitter through the Pointe Shop. Lauren is also a member of the National Dance Education Organization, Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey, Dance New Jersey, the American Physical Therapy Association, the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA), and the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS).
Lauren is passionate about dance education and injury prevention and hopes to pass on her love for all things movement related to her student
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