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Harkness Center For Dance Injuries

International Association for Dance Medicine and Science

Dance/USA

Dance!

Photo by Martha Swope

Free Classes for Dance Students- Fall 2008 Schedule

Classes are free, but class size is limited. Please call the office to register (925) 846-0874. Parents are welcome to stay and observe.

Neat Feet

Ages 6-9- First Wednesdays 4:00-4:45 pm

Sept. 3rd, Oct. 1 st, Nov. 5th, Dec. 3rd

Ages 10+ Third Wednesdays 4:00-4:45 pm

Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov.19, Dec. 17

Learn all about your feet, how they work when you walk, run, and dance, and how to take good care of them.

 

Inch by Inch

Recommended for k ids in the growth spurt- age may vary.

Second Wednesday of the month 4:00-4:45 pm

Sept 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Dec. 1o

During this age you are probably growing faster than ever. You may feel like your muscles are tight or that you are not as balanced or graceful as you want to be. Learn how the body grows and what you can do to to help your muscles work their best.

Jump Start

Recommended age 10+

Fourth Wednesday of the month 4:00-4:45 pm

Sept. 24th, Oct. 22nd

How do you warm-up before dance class or practicing at home? Warming up is very important, and the way you warm-up can help you to dance better and not get hurt. Learn good warm-up and what not to do.

 

Midpoint

Recommended age: Teen

First Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 pm

The torso is critical to dance but many students concentrate more on the limbs. This class teaches exercises for the midsection and how to apply it with movements.

Treatment for Dance Injuries

Our primary focus is on prevention and keeping you fit to dance your best. But in the event that an injury occurs, we have the right equipment and training to get you back to to dance as quickly and safely as possible.

If you have an injury, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Then call us to get started on a rehabilitation program that focuses on the unique needs of the dancer.

Special area of Harlequin surfaces in our clinic.

 

 

 

Professional Dance Companies

More professional performing companies are realizing the value of preventative health services for their dancers. Preventative Services can help correct a minor problem before it becomes an injury, and supports the dancer's physical and psychosocial wellness.

Services available to dance companies include

Pre-Season Health Screening: A dancer health screening tool has been developed by the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health. The screening helps to identify risk factors for injury and can assist the dancer to reduce their risk.

Preventative Intervention: Provide regular on-site access to a Physical Therapist so dancers can be advised and screened early on for minor musculoskeletal symptoms.

Injury Rehabilitation: Worker's Compensation acceptrd.

Backstage Services: Available soon.

 

Fit To Dance

Having difficulty with a position or movement in dance class? Don't give up! Want to improve your turnout, balance, or need help progressing to the next level? Afraid of another ankle sprain?

Our Fit To Dance program starts with a screening for joint and muscle function specifically designed for the dancer, including measurement of turnout. Turnout measurement can determine if you are actively using all of the turnout that is available from your joints, with proper technique and muscle control.

The ATM-2 corrects posture, works core stabilization and can be used to improve turnout with the hip rotation unit shown here.

Example of active turnout measurement using rotating discs.

Based on the results of the screening, we may recommend specific home exercises and/or one-on-one sessions with the therapist to correct elements such as forced turnout, tight or weak muscles, and poor posture habits that relate to dance abilities.

Come in for a screening, it's fun and there is no program commitment.

Fit To Dance is by appointment. To schedule, please call the office at (925) 846-0874.