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One goal of the Task Force is to serve as a resource regarding issues of health and wellness for the professional dancer. These papers are written as brief educational overviews on topics important in the professional dance community. These papers are meant to help guide and inform the dancer, and are not meant to take the place of the advice of a medical professional.
* All of the papers listed below are under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health
Written by: Mandy Blackmon, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, Savannah Hood, PT, DPT, Leda McDaniel, PT, DPT, OCS, and Anastasia Thue, PT, DPT (2024)
This paper addresses a complex topic designed for professional dancers experiencing persistent or chronic pain conditions. It is offered to guide dancers in discussing their condition with their physician or medical treatment team.
Written by: Katherine Ewalt, MS, ATC, HHP, BCTMB and Matthew Grierson, MD, FAAPMR (updated from the original for 2024)
Concussions can occur in daily activity as well as during any sport or recreational activity, including dance. Concussions can have immediate and lasting effects on an individual. While most concussions are not life-threatening and resolve within a couple of weeks, in some cases the effects of concussions can be serious or prolonged.
Written by: Elizabeth K. Hutter, Psy.D., (2022, updated 2024)
Professional dancers need to stay in tip-top physical shape, and when they’re ill or injured they often have access or referrals to athletic trainers, physical therapists, and medical doctors. Dancers’ mental health is equally vital to their careers’ success, yet connecting with dance-informed mental health treatment may not be as easy to find. This paper offers resources for professional dancers and dance companies to access a range of mental health care, including free and discounted services.
Written by: Selina Shah, M.D., FACP, FAMSSM with contributions from the Subcommittee on Cross-Training of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health: Kevin Brown, M.Ed., A.T.C., Catherine Cullen, P.T., D.P.T., Rory Cullen, P.T., D.P.T., Hope Davis-Coen, M.S., A.T.C., Emma Faulkner, PT, DPT, Jennifer Janowski, P.T., D.Sc.P.T., C.S.C.S., Suzanne Martin, P.T., D.P.T., Tracy Espiritu McKay, D.O., Sheyi Ojofeitimi, P.T., D.P.T., Rosa Pasculli, M.D., Bonnie Robson, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., Emily Sandow, P.T., D.P.T., Marissa Schaeffer, P.T., D.P.T., Dana Sheng, M.D., Heather Southwick, P.T., M.S.P.T. (2023)
Dancers are athletes. They undergo the same physical and mental demands as their sport counterparts. Across many genres of sports, cross-training (doing other forms of exercise), has added to the athletes’ strength and fitness levels allowing them to handle the demands of competing at the highest level. Learn why dancers should do cross-training and where to start.
Written by: Vanessa Muncrief, PT, DPT (2023)
Dancers are athletes as well as artists and have a good understanding of the importance of caring for the body through proper nutrition, technique and alignment. In spite of this, research shows that 80% of dancers will experience a significant injury during their career. It is beneficial to have a framework for talking about injuries with your teachers, directors, fellow dancers and family.
Written by: Jo-Anne La Flèche, MA, MSC, and Lauren Dean, LAT, ATC (2024)
Many social and personal factors may be involved at any given time, to influence how you feel about your physical appearance and abilities as a dancer. Being mindful of the impact of these factors is key to taking a healthy step back when your inner tyrant wakes up on a gloomy day or after a challenging situation.
Written by: Jo-Anne La Flèche, MA, MSC, and Lauren Dean, LAT, ATC (2023)
Many dancers report being unsatisfied with themselves, regardless of dance genres or artistic success. Dancers want to look better, to do better. Body and personal dissatisfaction may hinder performers’ joy, passion, and mental and physical wellness. The following three-part series of papers aims to help you reflect on dancer body image and self-esteem issues. Part Two discusses risk factors and warning signs to be aware of.
Written by: Jo-Anne La Flèche, MA, MSC, and Lauren Dean, LAT, ATC (2023)
Many dancers report being unsatisfied with themselves, regardless of dance genres or artistic success. Dancers want to look better, to do better. Body and personal dissatisfaction may hinder performers’ joy, passion, and mental and physical wellness. The following three-part series of papers aims to help you reflect on dancer body image and self-esteem issues. Part One defines and explains the concepts of body image and self-esteem.
Written by: Marie Scioscia, MS, RD, CDN and Lauren Dean, LAT, ATC (2023)
A dancer’s relationship with food is personal, unique, and requires work to keep it healthy, just like any relationship. This paper is written for those wondering if their diets or mindset around their diet may be such that it could lead to disordered eating. This paper emphasizes seeking support and guidance. If you find yourself noticing thoughts or practicing behaviors that include restricting food or that cause anxiety, shame, or guilt regarding how you are feeding and caring for yourself, gently read on. You can replace those thoughts and behaviors with a healthier set of actions that will support your hard-earned career and precious health and well-being.
Written by: Emma Faulkner PT, DPT; Jennifer Janowski, PT, DScPT, CSCS; Andrew Schaeffer, CSCS; Antoine Simmons, MA, CSCS (2023)
Dancers are often hesitant to lift weights or participate in resistance training programs as a form of cross training and conditioning. There are many reasons why dancers do not participate in these forms of training, but some of these reasons are based in myth. In general, these programs can be very effective, safe and beneficial for dancers. This resource will discuss these myths and educate dancers on safe participation in these types of programs.
Written by: Kevin Brown, M.Ed., A.T.C., Melody Hrubes, M.D., Hope Davis-Coen, ATC, Elaine Winslow-Redmond, M.S., ATC (2023)
This paper provides suggestions on a variety of things dancers may find helpful to have in their dance bag to stay healthy and performing at the top of their abilities during classes, rehearsals, and performances.
Written by: Dr. Taylor C A Mravec, PT, DPT (2022)
Endurance is an essential physical trait in many athletes, including dancers. This paper highlights the importance and benefits of cardiovascular training for dancers, as well as ways to check your own CV fitness level and appropriate ways to train and increase your endurance to maximize your dancing potential.
Written by: Kevin M. Brown, MEd, ATC, Lauren Dean, LAT, ATC, Hope Davis-Coen, ATC (2022)
A proper first aid kit should contain all of the components necessary to administer appropriate first aid, as well as hold items specific to the needs of a traveling group or venue where the performance will be held. It is critical that a regular inventory be taken of its contents. Review of the items within the First Aid Kit should occur before each entry into the theater or before a tour. Particular attention should be given to all over-the-counter and prescription medications for expiration date. This paper is not meant for the professional dancer but for the medical professional and stage management.
Written by: Melody Hrubes, MD, Sheyi Ojofeitimi, PT, DPT, Amanda Blackmon, PT, DPT (2022)
Monkeypox has recently been declared a national health emergency. This paper describes the monkeypox virus, how it is spread, and treatment strategies. It provides current recommendations for protection and prevention including hygiene, sanitization, isolation, and vaccination. As the knowledge regarding monkeypox is constantly changing, please also refer to the resources contained in this document and your local public health officials.
Written by: Suzanne Clements Martin, DPT, and Bonnie Robson, MD, FRCPC, under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2021)
A transition is the process of changing from one situation to another. Dancers undergo many transitions in their careers from pre-professional through the various stages of early, mid, and end. This paper includes resources, coping strategies, and tips for the various transitions in a dancer’s life.
Written by: Bonnie Robson, M.D., FRCPC, Scott Leydig, Psy.D., and Jo-Anne La Flèche, M.A., M.S., (2021)
Anxiety and anxious reactions are common among professional dancers due to the high level of stress in the career’s performances and training. The following paper informs dancers of a range of anxious symptoms and conditions, and offers suggestions on how to address these toward more productive and healthful careers.
Written by: Bonnie Robson MD FRCPC, Scott Leydig PsyD, and Jo-Anne La Flèche MA MSC under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2020)
The following paper discusses the common causes, symptoms, and types of depression that dancers may face at times. Helpful tips to cope more effectively with depressive states will be presented, along with common practices of health professionals in treating depression.
Linda Bluestein, M.D. under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2020)
This paper offers suggestions to professional dancers to optimize immunity. Simple lifestyle, diet, and supplement changes may improve immune function and decrease chronic inflammation in the dancer. Working towards these goals will provide benefits at all times, not just during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Desiree A. Unsworth, PT, DPT under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2020)
Proper wound care is paramount to prevent skin infections. This paper helps dancers recognize the signs of skin infections, provides tips for preventing them, and gives steps for treating minor wounds including blisters.
Marie Scioscia, M.S., R.D. under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2020)
Considering a Vegan or Vegetarian Diet? Here are some tips to maximize energy, keep you strong and keep you help you maintain your health as a dance athlete. Sample menu suggestions included!
Written by: Kathleen Bower, PT, DPT and Heather Southwick, PT, MS, PT under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2020)
This paper offers suggestions for individual dancers to maintain their health and wellness during this time of social isolation and distancing due to COVID-19. Some return to work considerations for getting back in to the studios are also offered for individual dancers.
Written by: Heather Southwick, PT, MSPT, Selina Shah, MD, FACP, FAMSSM, and Kathleen Bower, PT, DPT under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2020)
The purpose of this paper is to provide resources and information companies can use to develop return-to-studio protocols with a phased approach in the context of COVID-19. These considerations are not meant to be prescriptive, but rather informative to help individual dance companies create their own return-to-studio protocols based on their situation and the stipulations put in place by their local public health authorities and governments. As the Task Force on Dancer Health, we strongly recommend making these decisions based on medical advice. As a result, your studio phase may lag behind the local government phase in reopening.
Written by Heather Southwick, PT, MSPT, Selina Shah, MD, FACP, FAMSSM, Kathleen Bower, PT, DPT, Kathleen Davenport, MD under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2020 – UPDATED JULY 2020)
The purpose of this paper is meant to provide more specifics for dancers and companies as we all work to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 and provide safe environments for dancers in the studio. As the knowledge regarding COVID-19 is constantly changing, please also refer to the resources contained in this document and your local public health officials. This paper is meant as a companion to the previous paper titled: Return to Dancing and Training Considerations Due to-COVID-19
Written by: Elizabeth Manejias, MD, under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2020)
This paper will help a pregnant dancer learn more about the changes of their body that occur during pregnancy.
Written by: Amanda M Blackmon, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT, and Ami Kirollos, SPT, NASM-CPT, under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2020)
This paper will offer guidance for the dancer after pregnancy and in the post-partum period.
Written by: Janine Cappello-Bryant BFA, MA, SFHEA, Matthew Eldridge MSW RSW, JoAnne Lafleche MA, MSc., Sue Porter JD, Rhonda RobertsBA, Bonnie Robson MD FRCPC, MegSaxby BA, MSW, RSW, under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2020)
Consultant: Sedina Fiati BFA
By defining and discussing Harassment, Abuse, and Bullying this paper helps the dancer to recognize, to prevent, and to handle or modify these harmful events.
Written by: Dani Dowler MFA, Bonnie Robson MD FRCPC, under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2020)
Dancers need a good night’s sleep, both in quality and quantity. This paper looks at the benefits of sleep, and ways of improving sleep length and quality. It also discusses common sleep problems.
Written by: Amanda Blackmon, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT & Emma Faulkner, PT, DPT, OCS, under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2019)
This paper helps the dancer to learn more about hypermobility and provides resources for managing hypermobility.
Written by Ashley Whitehead, PT, DPT, CLT under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2018)
Leaking urine (even just a little) when performing may be due to pelvic floor dysfunction. This paper aims to educate on pelvic floor dysfunction, how to identify it, and some treatment strategies.
Written by Katherine Ewalt, MS, ATC, HHP, BCTMB, under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2019)
In this paper, dancers learn a basic knowledge of what medical marijuana is, the ways it can be taken, and its effects on the human body, mind and function.
Written by: Bené Barrera LAT, ATC with collaboration from Catherine Hagan Vargo, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2019)
In this paper, the dancer learns the basics of the health insurance world including a glossary of terms to help clarify some of the common language used regarding health insurance.
Written by: Matthew Grierson, MD, with contributions from Jason Hu, MD, under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2019)
This paper provides information about HIV, tips for preventing infection and resources for those living with HIV.
Written by: Heather Herod Cole, MS, PT, COMT, CPI, CMTPT and Amy Lazarov, LPC-MHSP, NCC under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2019)
Information for individuals who are thinking of dying from suicide or having suicidal thoughts.
Written by: Leanne Wobash, under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2019)
Information for individuals who are worried that a fellow dancer or friend may be thinking about suicide.
Written by Jeffrey Lucchino, MS RDN CSSD under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2018)
Nutrition is crucial to the everyday life of a dancer both in the performance and recovery aspects. This papers helps dancers plan snacks and recovery meals to help in energy usage.
Written by Jo-Anne La Flèche, Clinical and Dance psychologist
Reviewed by Matt Eldridge, MSW, RSW (Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre), Dr. Bonnie Robson, retired psychiatrist, and Dr Mark Seton, Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2018)
This paper discusses some main sources of trauma in the dance world and methods that can be taken to prevent abuse. It also provides strategies on how to cope with trauma.
Written by Jo-Anne La Flèche, Clinical and Dance psychologist
Reviewed by Matt Eldridge, MSW, RSW (Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre); Dr. Bonnie Robson, retired psychiatrist; and Dr Mark Seton, Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2018)
This paper will help you learn more about stress and coping strategies. There is discussion on self-compassion and approaches to implement this into everyday life.
Written by Selina Shah, MD, FACP, FAMSSM under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2015, UPDATED 2020)
Adequate Vitamin D and calcium are crucial to maintain proper bone health. This paper helps outline some of the health requirements to ensure appropriate levels of vitamin D and calcium.
Written by Brad Moser, MD, Lauren Elson, MD, Selina Shah, MD, FACP, Shaw Bronner, PT, Phd, OCS PT under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2011)
Dancers can find themselves in a variety of challenging performance situations. This paper helps to inform the dancer on how the body dissipates heat, the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses and how to avoid heat illness.
Written by Shaw Bronner, PT, Phd, OCS, Heather Southwick, PT under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2015)
When traveling outside the United States and Canada, our bodily systems are vulnerable to unfamiliar bacteria and it is possible to get sick from food borne or hygiene related illnesses. In an effort to keep you healthy while traveling, these tips may assist you.
Written by Kathleen Davenport, MD, Lauren Elson, MD, Patrick Gannon, PhD, Bonnie Robson, MD, DPsych, DCP, FRCP (C) under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2015).
This paper provides basic information on the symptoms & causes of anxiety, describes various types of anxiety-related disorders and provides ways to manage anxiety.
Written by Mary S Burns, PhD, Patrick Gannon, PhD, Bonnie Robson, MD, DPsych., DCP, FRCP(C), Heather Southwick, PT under the auspices of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health (2015)
Depressive illness can change how one performs and functions. This paper helps dancers to recognize some of the signs and symptoms of depression, along with some resources for when and where to get help.
