The Intensive Workshops allow you to focus and grow in each specific area of dance technique. Each one is delivered as a one or two day workshop, that can be taken in your area of interest. The classes typically run from 9am to 5pm, or 9am - 4pm for the two day workshops, which allows each area to be explored in greater detail and provides age appropriate progressions, modifications for injury & personal experience.
For the latest dates and locations of upcoming courses CLICK HERE or check out the individual listings at the bottom of this page.
Understanding and Managing
Foot Injuries in Dancers
For Dance Teachers and Health Professionals
Dancers work their feet harder than almost any other athlete. They work for long hours in rehearsal, often in either bare feet, soft slippers, or compressed into pointé shoes. It’s no wonder that many dancers experience lots of foot and ankle injuries if they don’t take care of their feet. However, many of the foot and ankle injuries that we see in the clinic could have been prevented with thorough foot screening and specific retraining programs, as they all stem from rather simple causes.
Many foot and ankle injuries stem from hidden foot restrictions or minor technical faults that have been repeated over and over again. Understanding the anatomy and the how and why of injuries such as Plantar Fascia Pain, Achilles Tendinopathy, Stress Fractures and Bunions will give teachers the tools they need to help avoid these often preventable injuries.
What we will cover:
- The anatomy - What is actually wrong?
- The main causes - and how it can be prevented
- How to assess the dancer's foot
- The rehab process
- What to expect from physical therapy
- Taping techniques
- Hands on massage techniques
- How to manage this injury in the classroom
- How to safely return to dancing
- Prevention programs for the future
This course is ideal for anyone who works with dancers
This course is not solely designed for dance teachers and is a great addition for physiotherapists, personal trainers and other health care professionals who want to work more closely with dancers. Especially in the pre-adolescent/adolescent student, it’s imperative to support the vulnerable structures in the foot and ankle. Since many changes are happening in the body during this time, attention needs to be given to certain strengthening exercises that will benefit the dancer throughout the length of their career. Some dancers, eager to get quick results, resort to using foot stretchers and other dangerous items in an attempt to get the feet they have always wanted. Not only do the foot stretchers fail to improve, strengthen and control the ankle they are also cause massive damage to the soft tissue structures in the foot. This often leads to injury and a reduced capacity to dance, rather than an improvement.
You will leave armed with many tools and techniques to help dancers suffering with all types of foot injuries, specifically:
- Plantar Fascia Pain
- Posterior Impingement
- Os Trigonum
- Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Sever's Disease
- Stress Fractures
- Bunions
- “Shin Splits”
Overview of the content covered:
Day One
Day One focusses on understanding how a normal foot works. As Leonardo da Vinci said “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.” When working properly, it allows us to run, jump and dance in the most extraordinary ways. The many bones, joints, ligaments, fascia and muscles of the foot are organised in a way that allows shock absorption, dynamic propulsion and balance in all kinds of positions.
We dive into the functional anatomy of the foot as it pertains to the dancer. This includes learning about the ones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and fascial lines that lead into the foot. We explore the various anatomical variations that you may see in a regular class of dancers, and how to tailor the class and their conditioning exercises for optimal performance.
We look at optimal positioning of the feet in standing, as well as how the foot should operate during normal walking as well as when moving into a plié or on rise. Participants learn how to carefully assess the dancers foot in many ways, including assessment of the joints in the mid and rear foot, that often are the culprit for long standing foot and ankle injuries.
Day Two:
Day Two is entirely focussed on understanding and managing the common foot injuries that pop up in a dance class. We look at the common reasons why these conditions occur, as well as taping and treatment strategies to quickly remove the symptoms.
We will discuss the optimal management of a dancer when engaged with physical therapy and look at resources to help create clear and open communication between therapists and the dance teacher. Collaboration between both sides of the dancers training are vital in optimal resolution of any injury.
We look at examples of rehab programs for dancers, ranging from complete non-weight-bearing to full participation in class, along with all of the resources to help dancers track their own journey.
Finally, we look at strategies to prevent these injuries in all dancers, by implementing screening tests and progressively graded programs during the dancers regular training.
The following videos give a review of some of the relevant information from the Level 1 Teacher Training course, to review before attending the Foot Injuries in Dancers workshop.
Why Not to Use a Foot Stretcher
Returning to Jumps Following Injury
Anatomy of the Pointed Foot
Why to Avoid Pointing into a Theraband
Why Not To Walk in Turnout
Why to Avoid Walking on the Toes
Completing the 3 Day Level One Teacher Training is recommended prior to attending any of the more detailed intensive Teacher Training courses, but it is not essential. If you have yet to attend the Level One course you may sign up to our Level One Online Teacher Training Portal prior to the workshop going ahead. For further information about this, please contact us on workshops@theballetblog.com.
Two Day Teacher Training Intensives
-
Select optionsCore & Flexibility Intensive, Munich, GERMANY, June, 2020
$330.00 – $550.00All prices are in AUD – Check the current exchange rate to your local currency HERE
Location: Ballettzentrum Unterhaching Pirouette
Address: Südstraße 8, 82008 Unterhaching, Munich, Germany
Core Intensive – Friday 12th June 2020
Flexibility Intensive – Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June 2020Our intensives are specifically designed for both dance teachers & health professionals. Each workshop is delivered as a detailed two day intensive, that can be taken in your area of interest allowing you to focus and grow in each specific area of dance technique. These intensives allow each area to be explored in greater detail and provides age appropriate progressions, modifications for injury & personal experience.
Completing the 3 Day Level One Teacher Training is recommended prior to attending any of the more detailed intensive Teacher Training courses, but it is not essential. If you have yet to attend the Level One course you may sign up to our Level One Online Teacher Training Portal prior to the workshop going ahead. For further information about this, please contact us on workshops@theballetblog.com.
If you are booking for more than one attendee, please make sure to use each attendee’s personal details (Name and Email) so that they are correctly registered and receive all of the appropriate information.
-
Add to cartMORE INFOFlexibility Intensive, Morris, IL, USA 2020
$550.00All prices are in AUD – Check the current exchange rate to your local currency HERE
Location: Forté Arts Center
Address: 1200 N Division, Morris, IL, 60450, USA
Flexibility Intensive: Tuesday 28th July & Wednesday 29th July 2020
Many dance teachers are concerned at the safety of their students who are working into the extreme positions require by some current choreography. They want to keep their students safe, yet do not want to hold their dancers back from suceeding in this ever competative world. While some young dancers struggle with their range constantly, others have excessive natural range, and will often perform “tricks” that make most adults squirm. How do you train this extreme mobility safely?
During this two day flexibility Intensive teacher training course you will learn answers to the following questions, and more:
- What may makes one person tighter than the other?
- Why can one dancer do the splits without stretching while others can’t, even when they try so hard?
- Why do students sometimes feel even less flexible when they are stretching?
- How do I help student get their leg higher in second when it just feels like it’s stuck in the socket?
- How do I deal with a class full of students with different levels of flexibility?
- How do I deal with students who suddenly lose flexibility when they go through a growth spurt?
- What is neural tension, and how can I work safely with students with tight nerves?
- In students who have amazing range, how do I ensure they stay safe?
- How do you work into deep back extensions without risk of stress fractures or spondylolisthesis?
Our Flexibility Intensive is designed for both teachers and therapists!
Completing the 3 Day Level One Teacher Training is recommended prior to attending any of the more detailed intensive Teacher Training courses, but it is not essential. If you have yet to attend the Level One course you may sign up to our Level One Online Teacher Training Portal prior to the workshop going ahead. For further information about this, please contact us on workshops@theballetblog.com.
If you are booking for more than one attendee, please make sure to use each attendee’s personal details (Name and Email) so that they are correctly registered and receive all of the appropriate information.
-
Select optionsFoot Injuries in Dancers & Pointe Intensive – Cortlandt Manor, NY, USA 2020
$550.00All prices are in AUD – Check the current exchange rate to your local currency HERE
Location: The Dance Conservatory
Address: 2050 East Main Street, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567Foot Injuries in Dancers – Thursday 6th & Friday 7th August- 9:00am – 5:00pm
Pointe Intensive – Sunday 9th & Monday 10th August- 9:00am – 5:00pmOur intensives are specifically designed for both dance teachers & health professionals. Each workshop is delivered as a detailed two day intensive, that can be taken in your area of interest allowing you to focus and grow in each specific area of dance technique. These intensives allow each area to be explored in greater detail and provides age appropriate progressions, modifications for injury & personal experience.
Completing the 3 Day Level One Teacher Training is recommended prior to attending any of the more detailed intensive Teacher Training courses, but it is not essential. If you have yet to attend the Level One course you may sign up to our Level One Online Teacher Training Portal prior to the workshop going ahead. For further information about this, please contact us on workshops@theballetblog.com.
If you are booking for more than one attendee, please make sure to use each attendee’s personal details (Name and Email) so that they are correctly registered and receive all of the appropriate information.
-
Select optionsPointe & Flexibility Intensive, Brisbane, AU, April, 2020
$450.00 AUDLocation: Bayside Dance
Address: 2/264 Tingal Road, Wynnum, Brisbane, QLD, 4178Pointe Intensive – Wednesday 15th & Thursday 16th April 2020
Flexibility Intensive – Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th April 2020
Our intensives are specifically designed for both dance teachers & health professionals. Each workshop is delivered as a detailed two day intensive, that can be taken in your area of interest allowing you to focus and grow in each specific area of dance technique. These intensives allow each area to be explored in greater detail and provides age appropriate progressions, modifications for injury & personal experience.
Completing the 3 Day Level One Teacher Training is recommended prior to attending any of the more detailed intensive Teacher Training courses, but it is not essential. If you have yet to attend the Level One course you may sign up to our Level One Online Teacher Training Portal prior to the workshop going ahead. For further information about this, please contact us on workshops@theballetblog.com.
If you are booking for more than one attendee, please make sure to use each attendee’s personal details (Name and Email) so that they are correctly registered and receive all of the appropriate information.
-
Select optionsPointe & Flexibility Intensive, Oslo, Norway, March, 2020
$550.00All prices are in AUD – Check the current exchange rate to your local currency HERE
Location: Den Norske Opera & Ballett
Address: Kirsten Flagstads Pl. 1, N-0150 Oslo, NorwayPointe Intensive – Friday 20th & Saturday 21st March, 2020
Flexibility Intensive – Sunday 22nd & Monday 23rd March, 2020
Our intensives are specifically designed for both dance teachers & health professionals. Each workshop is delivered as a detailed two day intensive, that can be taken in your area of interest allowing you to focus and grow in each specific area of dance technique. These intensives allow each area to be explored in greater detail and provides age appropriate progressions, modifications for injury & personal experience.
Completing the 3 Day Level One Teacher Training is recommended prior to attending any of the more detailed intensive Teacher Training courses, but it is not essential. If you have yet to attend the Level One course you may sign up to our Level One Online Teacher Training Portal prior to the workshop going ahead. For further information about this, please contact us on workshops@theballetblog.com.
If you are booking for more than one attendee, please make sure to use each attendee’s personal details (Name and Email) so that they are correctly registered and receive all of the appropriate information.
-
Add to cartMORE INFOPointe Intensive, Sydney, AU, August, 2020
$450.00 AUDLocation: En Pointe Dance Academy
Address: 9a Resolution Drive, Caringbah, NSW,2229Saturday 29th August, 2020 9am to 4pm
Sunday 30th August, 2020 9am to 4pmProgressing onto pointe is one of the biggest rites of passage a young dancer faces, it is often very exciting. However, it is also very challenging, and the excitement of that shiny new pair of shoes is often quickly soured with the onset of pain and blisters. But it does not have to be this way! Given a slow and carful preparation, along with a detailed assessment of the dancer before pointe work is introduced, it can be one of the most amazing times, and open up a whole new world of possibilities in dance.
During this two day Pointe Intensive you will learn:
- Details of the correct training and preparation for pointe work
- How to complete a thorough pre-pointe assessment
- Mobilisation techniques to safely improve pointe range
- Corrective exercises to achieve optimal alignment before commencing pointe work
- How to choose the right pointe shoe based on the biomechanics of the foot
- How to tailor the pointe shoe for a perfect fit
- Good foundation pointe exercises that will give the student excellent basic pointe technique
- How to prevent injuries on pointe
- Answers to all of the common questions asked about starting en pointe
Our Pointe Intensive is designed for both teachers and therapists!
Completing the 3 Day Level One Teacher Training is recommended prior to attending any of the more detailed intensive Teacher Training courses, but it is not essential. If you have yet to attend the Level One course you may sign up to our Level One Online Teacher Training Portal prior to the workshop going ahead. For further information about this, please contact us on workshops@theballetblog.com.
If you are booking for more than one attendee, please make sure to use each attendee’s personal details (Name and Email) so that they are correctly registered and receive all of the appropriate information.
-
Add to cartMORE INFOTraining Turnout in Tiny Dancers- Professional development course for dance teachers- Florida, USA, August 2020
$330.00All prices are in AUD – Check the current exchange rate to your local currency HERE
Location: Ballet East
Address: 2365 Vista Parkway #7, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, 33411Thursday 20th August: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Many teachers struggle with hip pain and injuries in their adolescent dancers, but few realise how much of this stems from the training that children had in their early years. This course delves into the delicate art of training turnout in tiny dancers, through to adolescents. In conjunction with early childhood Master Teacher Beverly Spell, we explore safe ways to develop both range and control in young hips, preparing them for higher level work in the future, while having fun with creative play in the classroom. All good learning is laid down in layers; we explore what concepts need to be introduced at what ages and how to practice this in class. This course is perfect for teachers who are looking to incorporate the right preparatory exercises into their tiny dancer classes to help them develop correctly and avoid injury in their hips.
Our Training Turnout for Tiny Dancers is designed specifically for dance teachers!
Please note that this course is a stand alone course and does not require you to take the Level One workshop prior to attending. However, we highly recommend you familiarise yourself with Lisa’s approach prior to attending to the workshop.
If you are booking for more than one attendee, please make sure to use each attendee’s personal details (Name and Email) so that they are correctly registered and receive all of the appropriate information.
JOIN THE BALLET BLOG
to get access to over 100 free articles & 10% off your first order!
We promise not to clutter your inbox - but we will send you our latest tips, videos and promotions.