Dr. Craig Westin is an orthopedic surgeon for the Chicago Center for Orthopedics at Weiss Memorial Hospital and medical director of Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet. He has worked extensively with dancers, skiiers, and is a team physician with the U.S. Figure Skating Team. Dr. Westin generously took time out of his busy schedule to talk with Dance Advantage about knee problems, proper alignment, pain, and injuries common to dancers.
Archives for March 2011
Getting Into Character Dance
A review of Vagnova Ballet Academy’s Character Dance Class DVD (availability courtesy KineticFlix.com). Plus, additional resources for teachers on DVD and CD and more articles and blog posts to help you “get into Character”.
Stretching For Front Splits
If you’re struggling with getting all the way down in those elusive front-splits, there are two areas of flexibility that you’ll want to pay special attention to: the hamstrings and the hip flexors. Spend some time working to increase your range of motion in each of these areas individually with the stretches in this article.
Cabriole in Cruelty-Free Ballet Slippers
Cynthia King is the director of Cynthia King Dance Studio in Brooklyn, NY. Her love for animals originated in the connection she had with her dog as a young child and her passion for animal rights began with literature on the subject. Since 1967 she has eaten only a plant-based diet but consistently faced the challenge of recommending ballet slippers to her students as even canvas slippers use animal skin for the soles. It became her mission to provide an affordable alternative to leather-soled slippers. Find out more about Ms. King and Cynthia King Vegan Ballet Slippers.
The Stem of Aplomb – Part Two: The Thoracic Spine
Of all the spinal sections, the thoracic vertebrae are least capable of movement, however it is exceedingly important to the movements of dance. Lauren of Art Intercepts teaches us about the thoracic spine, its function, and gives an exercise to stretch and strengthen this area of the back for movement and greater aplomb.
5 Considerations Before You Buy Ballet Shoes For Little Feet
If you are a parent with an aspiring dancer, nothing is more exciting for both of you than getting all the necessary apparel, including a first or new pair of ballet shoes. However, for little feet, it is very important to get the right shoes at the right price. Consider these 5 points before you buy ballet slippers for a young student.
