Edel Quin - Safe Dance Practice: An applied dance science perspective

Safe Dance Practice

Edel Quin, MSc, FHEA

Sonia Rafferty, MSc, FHEA

Charlotte Tomlinson, MSc, PGCE

Human Kinetics

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Quin, Edel.

Safe dance practice / Edel Quin, Sonia Rafferty, Charlotte Tomlinson.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Dance--Safety measures. 2. Dancing injuries--Prevention. 3. Dance--Physiological aspects. I. Title.

GV1782.3.Q85 2015

792.8028'9--dc23

2014044343

ISBN: 978-1-4504-9645-2 (print)

Copyright 2015 by Edel Quin, Sonia Rafferty, and Charlotte Tomlinson

All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, and in any information storage and retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

This publication is written and published to provide accurate and authoritative information relevant to the subject matter presented. It is published and sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering legal, medical, or other professional services by reason of their authorship or publication of this work. If medical or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

Notice: Permission to reproduce the following material is granted to instructors and agencies who have purchased Safe Dance Practice: pp. 245-249. The reproduction of other parts of this book is expressly forbidden by the above copyright notice. Persons or agencies who have not purchased Safe Dance Practice may not reproduce any material.

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This book is dedicated to our friends and families, especially Dan, Kevin, Luke, Phil and Zlie, for their invaluable and constant support.

Contents

Foreword

The field of dance science is reaching maturity and this book provides evidence of that progress. Over the last few decades, we have seen an exponential growth in the body of scientific research concerning the physiological, biomechanical and psychological considerations of dance practice. Yet the prevalence of dance injuries is still high and some suggest that this is because the research is yet to be translated and made available for all those who work with dancers on a daily basis.

While it is often remarked that research is not complete until it is published, I would go further and say, research has little value unless it is applied, understood, and has impact. At last, research findings have been transformed into this practical and informative resource. The first book of its kind, Safe Dance Practice combines scientific evidence with practitioner wisdom. It will have broad appeal, connecting with all those interested in becoming better informed about both safe dance practice and performance enhancement. Presented in an accessible and user-friendly format, useful recommendations from a dance science perspective can be readily applied by a wide range of dance practitioners in their classes, rehearsals, schedules and performances. The principles advocated in this book have direct relevance for leaders working with professional or recreational dancers, teachers of all genres and levels of experience, and students and lecturers within undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The focus on the interrelated components of safe practice will help to promote health and well-being for any dancer, minimizing injury and encouraging optimal performance and engagement.

The authors are highly regarded within the world of dance and the field of dance science. They are trained dancers with professional performing and choreographing experience and continue to teach on a daily basis. While all three writers hold postgraduate degrees in dance science and have presented and published numerous academic papers in journals and at various international forums, their primary focus remains the quality of their teaching. They share a deep desire to promote dance-science-informed teaching practices and to disseminate their knowledge and expertise in safe practice. Having created several new undergraduate and postgraduate modules, as well as international certificates and qualifications in safe dance practice, the authors continue to serve as assessors and consultants with various examining bodies. They maintain a strong relationship with both the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science (NIDMS) and the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) and serve on various committees advising on matters that concern teachers all over the world.

There are many anecdotal accounts of how best to teach dance and it has been commented that dance teaching relies upon tradition and personal experience rather than scientific understanding. Yet I often hear teachers say that change is long overdue. This book has the potential to significantly influence dance practice worldwide both now and in years to come. Mahatma Gandhi once said, be the change you want to see in the world . This is a book that could help you make that change.

Dr. Emma Redding

Head of Dance Science, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Past-President, International Association for Dance Medicine and Science

Preface

Safe dance practice has become a prominent issue in recent years. With more people interested in taking part in dance activities, not just as a possible career, but as a recreational or fitness activity, the requirement for greater understanding of the effects of physical activity on every body is being highlighted. In addition, the evolution of dance science as an area of research and study is encouraging ongoing investigation and application of effective and research-informed dance practice. Dance leaders also seem to be striving to enhance the overall health and well-being of dance participants at every level, through an examination of teaching, training, and performance practices. As a result, there is increased recognition that knowledge of how to safeguard dancers while continuing to challenge physical potential, is absolutely necessary.