Area Dance Teachers Learn Injury Prevention at Marblehead School of Ballet

Protecting the body from injury is important to a dancer. Teachers Tanya T. Roberts and Melissa Desrosiers and director Ann Davison from The Bedford Youth Performing Company in Bedford, New Hampshire visited the Marblehead School of Ballet in Marblehead, Massachusetts and attended a customized workshop presenting in-depth lessons on injury prevention techniques using proper alignment and core strength for dancers.

According to Paula K. Shiff, Director of the Marblehead School of Ballet, ballet should be taught from the inside out rather than from the outside in. "Many teachers think in terms of teaching particular steps, but correct alignment and proper body mechanics are the key to beautiful technique. Emphasizing correct body alignment and efficient body mechanics allows the dancer to develop balance, strength, flexibility and coordination. A well-trained dancer can be more musical and most importantly, avoid injury. Brilliant technique will develop if the body is strong and balanced," she said.

"What a success! Paula Shiff's understanding of how the body moves and how to correct potential problems is unsurpassed. She designed the workshop to meet our specific needs and it was packed full of valuable information that I took back to my class the very next day to benefit my students. We look forward to scheduling more events with our faculty and our students alike," said Ann Davison, Executive Director of The Bedford Youth Performing Company.

For further information about the Marblehead School of Ballet's workshops, classes, special master classes and summer intensive, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail or visit the school's web site. For updates, follow the school on Facebook and Twitter @MSB_ballet.

Photos:

1) Staff from The Bedford Youth Performing Company attended an injury prevention workshop for dancers at the Marblehead School of Ballet. Left to right: Tanya T. Roberts, Ann Davison and Melissa Desrosiers

2) Paula K. Shiff, Director, Marblehead School of Ballet