Mental health led the conversation at the International Asso­cia­tion for Dance Medicine & Science’s 2022 conference, held at the University of Limerick, in Ireland. The 32nd annual conference was exuberant, with 492 dance medicine specialists, researchers and teaching artists attending in person and an addi­tional 152 participating virtually

As a dancer working with your toes to the marley day in and day out, it is easy to feel like no one but your immediate colleagues understands your challenges. Yet there are countless medical professionals working to improve the lives of dancers. Last week the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science gathered more […]

Although the ketogenic diet has been around since the 1920s as an epilepsy treatment for children, it’s experiencing a new wave of popularity. Thanks in part to social media, where “healthy” keto-friendly recipe videos are going viral, the high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet is gaining ground. But is it safe for dancers? We checked in with Rachel […]

File this under news that sounds too good to be true: A study published in last month’s International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance found that one little nutrient—vitamin D—could improve dancers’ strength and decrease their risk of injury. Known as “the sunshine vitamin” because of our body’s ability to produce it when exposed to […]

Great dance educators with smart, scientific teaching practices are invaluable to the dance field. How else could we create healthy, beautiful dancers? The International Association of Dance Medicine and Science is looking to honor someone who’s made a substantial impact through teaching with its annual Dance Educators Award—and the committee is asking for nominations. The […]

Why do I keep getting stress fractures? I menstruate normally, dance on a sprung floor and take calcium supplements to strengthen my bones. I also follow my orthopedist’s instructions and did rehab after previous stress fractures. What’s wrong with my body? —Rose, Yonkers, NY Kudos to you for being aware of the main factors that […]

Since George Balanchine first asked her to care for his dancers in the 1980s, Marika Molnar has helped heal icons as varied as Merce Cunningham, Trisha Brown, Natalia Makarova, Judith Jamison, Twyla Tharp, Chita Rivera and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Some patients call her their guardian angel. “Marika has always answered all my (sometimes ridiculous) questions with […]

I thought I’d be fine after undergoing successful surgery to repair a torn ankle ligament. Instead, I’m depressed and hopeless that I’m still not able to perform. My therapist tells me I’m making good progress, but I don’t see it. Why not? —Ashley, San Francisco, CA You’ve fallen into a common trap—comparing your dancing to […]