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.
Interviews
Attitude and Strong Technique Make Allison Miller One To Watch
Allison Miller, chosen as one of Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch in 2011, talks about the importance of a positive outlook, her early training and studies at North Carolina School of the Arts, and about making the awkward leap from student to professional.
Storytime With Two Adult Ballet Beginners
Dave of davetriesballet.com, The Adult Beginner, and I had fun after the New Year chatting about their close encounters of the ballet kind. They weave an entertaining story and if you are a teacher working with adult beginners, I think you’ll find it splendidly insightful, too. (Part 1 of 2)
Nichelle Discusses DA, Musical Theatre, and Performing
Every once in a while, Nichelle is on the other side of the questions, as in this recent interview with Nicole LaBlonde. Also featured are two previous interviews, one on blogging the other on beauty. Also see what Nichelle did last weekend!
How to Snap and Be Shot: An Interview with Dance Photographer, Jim Markland
Dance photographer, Jim Markland on how, at 60, he became interested in photography, capturing dance, and his learning experience with Lois Greenfield; his advice on the camera features required to capture dancers in action both onstage and off; and how dancers can prepare for a great studio shoot.
Hope Dances For Children With Special Needs
![[image] Dance instructor Michael Patterson, Brian and his son, Dominic [image]](https://www.danceadvantage.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/mengini-hope-dances-160x200.jpg)
Brian’s photography has been published on Dance Advantage, in most dance periodicals, as well as in the book, When Men Dance: Choreographing Masculinities Across Borders. Currently, he is working on a blog, Barre Boys, which spotlights men in ballet, and will produce accompanying live events featuring all male performers. Married with two children, Dominic, 9 and Michela, 7, Brian is a firm believer of giving back and giving voice and opportunity to those who don’t have one. I had a chat with Brian about another new and growing project he has in the works, Hope Dances, an initiative that aims to bring the benefits of dance to kids with special needs.
