Musical Theatre Dance: Heels Evaluation, Biomechanics, and Injuries
Presented by Jenna Kantor
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Nonfinancial: Dr. Kantor has no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course. Dr. Kantor hosts the Dance PT Podcast, produces four virtual Dance PT Summits, and runs the Dance PT Facebook Group, which are all components of the program. As a dance medicine specialist, she has been featured in Dance Magazine and the APTA Magazine. She has spoken nationally about treatment and marketing for dancers for IADMS, APTA Private Practice, APTA CSM, and The Dance PT Summit.
Knowing how to effectively treat a musical theatre dancer who performs in heels is no simple feat. While it may be straightforward to assist a nondancer in walking in heels, this scenario differs greatly from what we were taught in school. Introducing dance into the equation leads to a notable shift in the center of gravity, the muscles utilized, and those left unused, as well as balance and movement kinematics. This course aims to educate clinicians on the proper methods for screening, assessing, rehabilitating, and preventing injuries associated with dancing in heels.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze how the center of gravity changes when wearing heels
- Determine specific exercises that would address the necessary strength and stability for dancing in heels
- Develop a method to properly educate the dancer on how to effectively train to dance in heels in a manner that prevents injuries
- Determine common conditions and injuries unique to people who dance in heels
- Implement investigative questions to better identify which specific aspects of dancing in heels are a physical challenge
- Apply a screening that is specific to performers who dance in heels to identify their movement limitations
Meet your instructor
Jenna Kantor
Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and a performer. She is the owner of Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy PLLC, which specializes in rehabilitating performing artists and The Dance PT Program, a CEU and certification course on how to treat dancers and get them in the door. She is also the cofounder of the nonprofit…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Overview of Common Movement Limitations and Injuries Unique to the Musical Theatre Dancer in Heels
Research on common dance injuries specifically related to dancing in heels is relatively limited compared to studies focusing on general dance injuries. However, some studies have provided insights into the potential risks and common injuries associated with dancing in heels. Physical therapists should consider these factors when assessing and treating dancers who regularly perform in heels, focusing on injury prevention strategies, strength and flexibility training, proper technique, and footwear considerations to mitigate potential risks.
2. Functional Assessment and Evaluation for Dancers in Heels
This chapter will review the screening checklist, review the intake questions that are specific to dancing in heels, and demonstrate how to evaluate the results to determine what needs to be addressed to prevent injuries.
3. Treatment Considerations for Dancing in Heels
Based on the screening results, the physical therapist can develop a rehabilitation program that addresses any identified limitations, weaknesses, or dysfunctions specific to dancing in heels. This may include exercises to improve foot and ankle strength, balance training, lower limb strengthening and flexibility exercises, core stabilization exercises, and technique refinement.
