Theoretical and practical knowledge of safe dance practices may be essential when undertaking roles such as dance teacher, performer, choreographer or dance studio owner. DANCE 222: Safe Dance Practice aims to develop and extend upon ideas and experiences gained within DANCE 112: Kinesiology. Throughout this paper you will explore both theories and practices of safe dance and the integration of somatic practices within dance education, performance and health contexts. Anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition, injury prevention and rehabilitation, conditioning, and psychological well-being will be studied in relation to dance practices.
Topics covered include: studio based experiential anatomy; fundamental conditioning practices; warming up/cooling down; safe dance environments as a dancer, dance educator, or leader; nutrition; psychological issues in dance; injury prevention, rehabilitation, and management; current dance medicine and science research; pain and pain management; body image and related issues. By the conclusion of the paper it is aimed that students will have a deeper awareness and understanding of these areas, that they will be able to articulate their understandings (in physical, verbal, and written contexts) fluently and apply them to their own teaching, performance, and practice.