Musical Theatre Dance: Singing Assessment and Plan of Care
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.
When it comes to dancers who also sing, it is rightfully assumed that vocal therapists, ENTs, voice teachers, vocal coaches, and other experts specializing in voice care would be the appropriate professionals to consult. However, recent evidence and practice have shown that physical therapists have gradually become an essential component of promoting vocal health. Given that singing requires proper posture, a flexible body that maintains the health and openness of the vocal cords, and supportive breathing, it is logical to recognize the potential benefits of physical therapy for singers. In this course, clinicians will acquire the necessary skills to provide physical therapy specifically designed for musical theatre dancers who also sing, thereby empowering them to thrive vocally.
Learning Objectives
- Determine the muscles needed for strength, stability, and overall breath support when dancing
- Examine the common habits dancers exhibit when trying to sing while dancing
- Implement a proper assessment to identify the individual dancer’s current strengths and weaknesses when singing
- Analyze all body systems to ensure that there is a complete understanding of what obstacles need to be addressed to sing with more ease
- Develop a list of medical professionals in your vicinity to refer to in case the vocal limitations extend beyond physical therapy or speech-language pathology
- Apply a checklist of manual and therapeutic exercise treatments that can help improve vocal support, sound, and ease
- Analyze the research that investigates common injuries among singers
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 the Physical Demands for Singing and Common Injuries Unique to Musical Theatre Dancers Who Sing
As a physical therapist looking to better understand the physical demands and common injuries unique to singers in musical theatre, it’s important to recognize that singing is a highly specialized physical activity. To treat singers in musical theatre effectively, physical therapists should have a thorough understanding of vocal anatomy and physiology. Musical theatre performers who sing have specific physical requirements and are prone to certain injuries due to the demands placed on their bodies.
2. Functional Assessment and Evaluation of Musical Theatre Dancers Who Sing
When conducting a functional assessment and evaluation of a musical theatre dancer who sings in physical therapy, it’s important to assess both their physical abilities and their specific performance demands. Regular reassessments throughout the treatment process will help monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed to optimize the dancer’s functional abilities and vocal performance.
3. Treatment Considerations for Musical Theatre Dancers Who Sing
When developing a plan of care for musical theatre dancers who sing, physical therapists should consider the specific needs and goals of the individual performer. Based on the assessment findings, the physical therapist can develop a tailored plan of care that addresses any identified limitations, weaknesses, or dysfunctions. This may include targeted exercises, manual therapy techniques, posture correction, breathing exercises, and coordination training.
