SAVE THE DATE

Upcoming Wellness Workshops:

• Feet First: Anatomy and Biomechanics with Lori Vallis on Oct 22 at 4:15 pm
• Giving Permission with panelists on Jan 14 at 4:15 pm
• Able Bodies with panelists on Mar 18 at 4:15 pm 

Wellness workshops are included as part of our conditioning classes. All GYD dancers are welcome to attend these sessions as a make-up class. To schedule please email catrina@guelphyouthdance.ca

WELLNESS PROGRAM

Guelph Youth Dance, with the support of registered physiotherapist and Healthy Dancer Canada founding member Heather Finn founded a wellness program in 2018.  

“Equity-informed dancer wellness is a process that cultivates and sustains safe, healthy, and equitable dance  practice and contexts. Its aim is to reduce injury risk,  enhance dance performance, contribute to holistic health and wellness, and prolong dance participation.  Its method is to apply multidisciplinary and evidence-informed concepts that support moral safety and the optimal physical, psychological, and social functioning  of everyone involved in dance.” Andrea Downie 2023

Our programming connects with the GYD values and is informed by the needs of our dance community and the work of organizations like Healthy Dancer Canada and the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science.  Program components include dancer screening, wellness workshops and lunch and learn sessions during summer intensives.  Our events build connections between students, teachers, and the wider community including local experts. 

Past topics and teachers/guests include:

• Performance Profiling (Heather Finn)
• The Growing Dancer: A Moving Target (Heather Finn)
• Feet First: Caring for the Dancer’s Foot (Heather Finn, Fred Rayner)
• Plates and Pliés (Lauryn Conlon and Skye Balfour-Ducharme)
• Brain-Body Exercises for Stress, Performance Anxiety and Sleep (Kathy Somers)
• Tips for Dancing Outdoors (Heather Finn, Janet Johnson)
• Healing Journey:  The Implementation of Self Care (Nicole Inica Hamilton)
• The 3 Ms: Mind-body exercises, mental practice, and meditation (Heather Finn, Janet Johnson)
• Body Positivity in Dance (Lindzie O’Reilly and Therese Kenny)
• Active Recovery for Dancers:  Tools to Help You Cool Down and Rest Up (Heather Finn)
• Nutrition for Dancers (Lindzie O’Reilly)
• Thinking outside the Box: Cross Training for Dancers (Heather Finn, Lauryn Conlon)
• Self-Care Part 1: Physical Wellness (Heather Finn)
• Self-Care Part 2: Emotional Wellness (Tessa Fleming, Sarah Ewald)
• Taping for Dancers (Heather Finn)
• “Practice makes Permanent”: Understanding the nervous system for dancers (Heather Finn)
• Self Love, Self Care and Body Image for Dancers (Dr. Genevieve Monaghan, Abby Kinnear)
• Rest and Digest (Cara Kasdorf)
• Bendy Bodies: Understanding mobility for dancers (Heather Finn)
• Hydrate to Thrive (Cara Kasdorf)
• Addressing Your Inner Critic (Natalia D’Abramo)
• Preparing to Perform (Heather Finn)

Contact us for more information about the wellness program at Guelph Youth Dance.

Dancer Screenings

What is Dancer Screening?

Screening early in the dance year promotes goal-setting, effective and efficient dance training, and life-long dancing.  Your session will 1) objectively evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, 2) help you set goals and reach your full potential, and 3) encourage positive communication between you and your family, your teachers, and your health care team.  Ideally, screening takes place before you experience pain or injury.  If you have an injury that needs evaluation, consider booking a Physiotherapy Assessment.

How much does it cost?

Dancers pay $50 for a 30 minute Dancer Screening Assessment ($20 less than the Standard Physiotherapy Treatment).  Assessments fully covered under insurance plans. Those that don’t have coverage can contact me directly for alternative pricing.

Where does screening take place?

Dancers screenings will take place at GYD studios.

How do I book screening?

Click here to view Heather’s schedule and book your screening appointment.