Developing the balance, fluid movement, and artistry of a professional dancer requires a tremendous amount of practice, and your muscles and body pay the toll. We agree that your body demands recovery time between classes, and The PEAAC can assist with resting, healing, and prevention from injury. We strongly believe in modifying your classes to allow you to continue dancing safely during an injury, be it through jump avoidance, floor barre, and many other techniques.
We will be your partner in caring for you – so that you can focus on expressing yourself through your art.
The PEAAC offers many support services to help strengthen your performance:
- An experienced Sports Medicine Physician with a Family Medicine Specialty who values you as a person and as a dancer.
- Analysis of your technique by a medical practitioner experienced in treating dancers to identify potential fatigue/stress areas before injury occurs.
- A well-equipped gym and studio space that includes a ballet barre, turnout discs, wobble boards, Pilates reformer, and other equipment to assess/improve your balance.
- Access to strength and conditioning coaches experienced in dance to increase muscle support and flexibility.
- Work with physical therapists, chiropractors, and other soft-tissue practitioners to aid in relaxation and/or injury recovery.
- Consult a nutritionist/dietician to better fuel your body for peak performance.
- Attend Pilates, yoga, and other special workshops to enhance body awareness and flexibility.
- Improve mental skills to manage performance expectations, body confidence, and resilience during the injury cycle.
Dr. Sara Walker has treated and worked with principal members of the Boston Ballet, students at the Boston Conservatory and the Berklee College of Music, along with medical coverage of performances by the Boston Ballet, Alvin Ailey, and Sankofa Danzafro.