DANCERS - ARTISTS & ATHLETES

DANCERS - Artists & Athletes... What criteria do we need to consider?

In my Seminar "INSIGHTS INTO DANCE PHYSIOTHERAPY" on the weekend 10.5./11.5.2025 I went through this topic as a further education tool for physiotherapists - in collaboration with @physio.austria

💜 Special THANK YOU to @ioanna.avraam - Principal Dancer of @wienerstaatsballett - for being my live guest (and for your beautiful grand jeté Pic)

Dancers have specific needs in physiotherapy, which distinguishes them from "other" patients. These differences arise from the way how dancers move their bodies, as well as from the athletic demands and artistic requirements that their dance technique and performance discipline place on them.

Dancers as Artists:
▪️Expression & Aesthetitcs: Dancers use their bodies as a medium to express emotions or stories through dance, creating a visual and atmospheric experience for the audience. The beauty of movement, form and space plays a significant role.
▪️Creativity & Innovation: Choreography and Improvisation are central means for the artistic design of a dance scene. New creations are made, cultural traditions are integrated and social issues are reflected upon.

Dancers as Athletes:
▪️Technique & Discipline: Dancers have to possess a constant willingness to perform in order to meet the demands of their dance style. The precise execution of movements is crucial for expanding their physical and mental boundaries.
▪️Competition & Performance: The high pressure to perform and intensive repetitive training schedules and rehearsals are part of everyday life. Often combined with inadequate recovery or early "return to dance", lead to an increased risk of pain, overload and injuries.

☑️ Conclusion: An interdisciplinary collaboration with dance-specialized experts, dance-specific further education and research projects are essential for the sustainable health and performance optimization for dancers!