Healthier Dancer Talks: Meet The Speakers

Profession: Physiotherapist, Dance Science Educator, Pilates Instructor

Subjects covered:

• Injury prevention & rehabilitation
• dance anatomy
• adolescent dance injury
• the anatomy and biomechanics of turnout
• safe dance practice
• pilates as rehabilitation,
• strength training for young dancers

Based: London

Tel: 07590815771 Email: ameliawilkinson25@gmail.com

Biography: Amelia originally trained as a ballet dancer at The Royal Ballet School and is now a dance science educator, chartered physiotherapist and Pilates instructor. She currently works as a senior physiotherapist for the NHS and runs a dance physiotherapy clinic in South East London. She provides weekly dance Pilates sessions for students at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Danced and works as a health tutor for the Centre for Advanced Training programme. Amelia has delivered tailored dancers health workshops to a number of dance schools and organisations and continues to regularly deliver dance science CPD courses for the Royal Academy of Dance both in the UK and internationally. Amelia is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. She is a certified APPI Pilates instructor and One Dance UK member.

Profession: Dance teacher, Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis master teacher, Certified Zena Rommett Floor Barre teacher

Subjects Covered:

• Dance teacher: beginners/advanced/professional level.
• Gyrotonic & Gyrokinesis instructor and teacher trainer available Certified Zena Rommett Floor Barre teacher
• Beatriz also teaches an online Gyrokinesis class, Tuesdays 12 to 1.15

Tel: 07931 552849 Email: beatriz@movementtolife.com

beatrizpascual@gyrotonic.co.uk Website: www.movementtolife.com

Biography: With more than 20 years experience, Beatriz Pascual has had ample exposure to the physical stresses of a demanding life-style. She has danced in Spain, Belgium, South Africa, the UK, Japan, France and the USA. It was during a dance project in New York that she first came into contact with Gyrotonic through its instructor, Juliu Horvath. Beatriz is a Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Master teacher. For more information please visit www.gyrotonic.co.uk

Profession: Performance Consultant and Coach, Lecturer in Dance Science and Performance Science, Researcher, Professional Violinist.

Subjects Covered:

Profession: Lecturer in dance, Community dance practitioner, Fitness Yoga instructor, Associate Member and Course Provider/Quality Reviewer for the Safe in Dance International (SiDI), assessor for ISTD with SiDI, assessor for Trinity College London, Co-author of Safe Dance Practice: An applied dance science perspective (2015), Guest lecturer in safe and healthy dance practice. Charlotte is also a co-course provider with Ticta First Aid on the ‘Emergency First Aid at Work: Dance, Performing Arts & Physical activity’ training.

Subjects covered: Safe and healthy dance practice in vocational and pre-vocational training and in community settings for all.

Based: Leicestershire

Tel: 07939 588092 Email: charlotte.tomlinson@hotmail.com

Website: www.fit4dance.com

Biography: Charlotte completed her BA (Hons) Degree in Dance studies at Roehampton University followed by her MSc in Dance Science at Trinity Laban. Since then Charlotte has gained a PGCE and is a guest lecturer at various institutions. Charlotte teaches dance, yoga, health and fitness to both dancers in training and to groups in the community. Charlotte is coauthor of the publication Safe dance Practice: An Applied dance Science Perspective (2015), and is Artistic Director of SideKick Dance, a dance company for disabled dancers and dancers with learning difficulties. She also runs a dance group for older adults, and in 2017 Charlotte won the One Dance UK award for Inspirational Community Dance Practitioner.

Profession: Dance Psychology researcher, lecturer, and life and wellbeing coach, Dance in Mind

Subjects covered:

• Dance psychology
• mental health and wellbeing
• talent identification and development
• dance and inclusion
• freelance working

Based: Bedfordshire

Contact Details: 

Email: imogen.aujla@gmail.com

Website: www.danceinmind.org

Instagram: @dance_in_mind_UK

Biography: Imogen originally trained as a dancer before specialising in dance science and later dance psychology. After completing her Master’s and PhD degrees, she worked as a Senior Lecturer in Dance in Higher Education for over 15 years. She has been involved in everything from course leadership and curriculum design to lecturing, research, mentoring and PhD supervision. Imogen has a track record of research project management and publication, with particular expertise in dance psychology, wellbeing, inclusive dance, talent identification and development, and freelance working in dance. Imogen is now working as a freelance researcher, lecturer and life coach. She created Dance in Mind (www.danceinmind.org) to provide a range of psychology-focused resources, coaching and courses to help dancers of all levels to feel confident, calm and content. Imogen has undertaken additional training in mental health awareness, life coaching, research mentorship and counselling skills and was recently invited to join the mental health working group of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science.

Profession: Chartered Practitioner Sport & Exercise Psychologist, and Clinical Lead

Subjects covered:

• Performance Optimisation and Enhancement
• Optimal Functioning
• Injury Rehabilitation
• Developing Coping Mechanisms and Responses to Adversities (Emotion-focused and Problem-focused)
• Stress and Arousal Levels Management
• Resilience
• Motivational Skills
• Perfectionism and its impact
• Audition Preparation and Positive Emotions
• Psychological Mental Skills
• Mindfulness approaches within Dance Performing Arts
• Developing and nurturing Well-Being and Wellness in Elite Dancers
• Preparation for Career Transitions and Career Change
• Empowering Career Change

Based: London

Contact Details: 

Tel: 07957 696 857

Email: irina@roncaglia.co.uk

Website: https://www.roncaglia.co.uk

Biography:

Irina is a Chartered Sport & Exercise Psychologist and Clinical Lead, registered with the Health Care Professional Council (HCPC), is an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and a member of the IADMS. Irina sits as a Committee member for the London and Home Counties Branch of the BPS (LHC). Irina focuses on improving, empowering and promoting self-growth, wellness and well-being in professional elite dancers drawing on a 15 year career with English National Ballet. Irina is driven and passionate in ensuring that performing artists lead healthy, fulfilling and long-lasting performing careers. Irina also works in bringing the Performing Arts into the SEN curriculum with a specialism in Autism Spectrum Conditions.

She sits on the Editorial Board of Psychological Thought, and the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science. She is a member of the International Association of Dance and Medicine (IADMS) and a member of One Dance UK (ODUK). Most recently she was an invited research guest editor for a special issue in Frontiers – Positive Psychology. She is a Champion for Dance for Health within IADMS. She has presented workshops on wellbeing and positive mental health for the Medical Charity British Association Performing Arts and Medicine (BAPAM). She is a published author and her publications can be accessed through her website. Her research interests include Transitions, Lifespan Models, Resilience, Coping Processes & Strategies and Performing Arts. She has completed her Doctoral research with Birkbeck University (UK) investigating the Retirement Transitions in Elite Performers.

Facilitating access: 

Irina aims to tailor talks to the needs of her audience, aiming for equitable access for all.

Irina has experience working with neurodiverse and autistic dancers and understands how delivery may be optimised to suit specific and individual needs. She is happy to adapt sessions to suit the needs of the learner, and asks those attending her talks to provide information about their requirements wherever possible, so as may facilitate delivery as best she can.

In relation to delivery cost, Irina is happy to explore reasonable adjustments where necessary (and applicable) on an individual basis.

Profession: Sports Dietician (SENR Practitioner Registrant)

Subjects areas covered: Nutrition and diet for training and performance, nutritional aspects of disordered eating.

Based: Reading, Berkshire/London

Contact Details: 

Tel: 07973 269825

Email: jasminechallis1@gmail.com

Biography:

Jasmine is an Accredited Nutritionist and Sports Dietitian on the UK Sport and Exercise 

Nutrition Register (SENR) with a particular interest in dance. She has worked with dance students, dance teachers and professionals for more than 25 years. She continues to give group talks and individual advice to professional dance schools and companies.

Jasmine has been involved in OneDanceUK Roadshows giving talks/workshops on ‘Nutrition and Dance Performance’ and on ‘Eating Disorders’ and has run courses on these topics for dance teachers. She was nutrition consultant for the Dance UK Information Sheet on Food and Nutrition for Dancers and is co-author of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) updated Nutrition Resource Paper (2016), the Nutrition chapter in the IADMS ‘Dancer Wellness’ book published 2017 and the Nutrition Chapter in ‘Complete Irish Dancer’ published in 2020. She has presented at the IADMS annual conference regularly. She completed a MRes in Sport and Exercise Science (with distinction) in 2018 at Roehampton University, London UK, her research project was with Irish dancers.

Away from dance she has contributed to medical and dietetic textbooks and continues working with patients & clients both with disordered eating and other medical problems. Jasmine has also worked both with coaches and athletes, and has advised at national level training camps.

Facilitating access: 

Jasmine is able to deliver educational sessions as well as 1:1 work on performance nutrition and clinical support online and in person.

Jasmine aims to tailor talks to the needs of her audience, aiming for equitable access for all.

PowerPoint materials include visual aids to accompany written material where possible, and take into consideration a range of learning styles.

Jasmine has experience working with dancers with hearing and visual impairments, as well as individuals with learning difficulties. She is happy to adapt sessions to suit the needs of the learner, and asks dancers to provide information about their requirements wherever possible so as may facilitate delivery as best she can.

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Profession: Performance enhancement/strength and conditioning coach; lecturer; dance theatre maker, and performer.

Subjects covered: Strength and conditioning, coaching, performance optimization, anatomy, fitness integration, dance technique (floorwork, partnering, performance)

Based: London

Contact details: 

Tel: 07725058690

E-mail: khyle@live.co.uk

Website: www.athleticartist.co.uk

Biography:

Khyle Eccles is a movement, dance and performance specialist with a varied portfolio career – and is one of very few dance specific strength and conditioning specialists in the UK.

As a strength and conditioning specialist, dance theatre maker and performer; Khyle has a unique blend of professional practices to excite, educate and inspire the people he works with, in the gym, lab, studio, or stage.

He earned his MSc in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and his BA(hons) at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. Khyle has also toured internationally for 11 years with large and small scale productions, with a variety of makers and companies.

His research focuses on the development of athletic ability for dance professionals, with a particular focus on the freelance dancers – and he believes in developing a proactive prehabilitative strength and conditioning culture in the dance community.

Khyle is a strong and clear speaker, loves to engage with those who want to learn and collaborate, and believes in going to extraordinary lengths to help others grow and achieve. Khyle was also the recipient of the ODUK Inspirational Lecturer Award 2019.

Profession: Disability Activist

Contact Number: +447920586449

Email: lucyturnerbusiness@gmail.com 

Website: https://lucyturnerdance.wixsite.com/mysite 

Based: London

Subject areas covered:

• Inclusive teaching and facilitation methods
• Social Model of disability (& the difference in how injuries are perceived vs disability)
• Access Riders
• Invisible disability
• Spoon Energy (helping chronically ill performers manage energy levels)
• Creating Disability-friendly workspaces
• Considering neurodivergent learning styles
• Inclusive language regarding disability
• The industry’s definition of ‘professionalism’ & how it can exclude those facing barriers
• ‘What is an aid?’ (discussing that aids can help more than just for mobility)

Biography: Lucy Turner is a disability activist, dancer, choreographer and teacher based in London. She currently works with a range of organisations to improve access and inclusion across the industry, including Equity Union, Dancers’ Career Development, Move It Dance Convention, London Contemporary Dance School / The Place. In 2023, she Co-Founded Hidden Rhythms Disability Society which hosts educational and discussion-based meetings and seminars about improving the arts sector by deconstructing barriers. Lucy delivers freelance workshops, guest lectures and seminars covering areas such as catering for disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent performers in a rehearsal space, and inclusive teaching and facilitation methods.

This speaker offers a discount on their services for One Dance UK members. Head to your member's area to take advantage of this offer.

Profession: Chartered Psychologist, Psychological Coach & Freelance Lecturer in Psychology

Subjects covered: Performance psychology; motivation, stress & anxiety, self-confidence & self-esteem, perfectionism, mental skills training; creativity; mental health and wellbeing; mindset and injury

Based: Sussex & London (willing to travel/deliver online workshops)

Contact Details:

Tel: +447883126970

Email: lucie@thedancepsychologist.com

Website: www.thedancepsychologist.com

Biography:

Lucie is a British Psychological Society Chartered Psychologist and Psychological Coach for dancers. She delivers freelance workshops and guest lectures to performing arts schools, ballet schools and professional dance companies covering areas including performance anxiety management, psychological skills training, stress management and injury coping skills.

As a psychologist, Lucie has worked with dancers across Europe, Asia and the USA.

Lucie’s current research interests are within the nurture of dancers’ creativity and optimal wellbeing, and she has published a number of journal articles. She has undertaken 

psychology research at Trinity Laban, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, Tring Park and Amsterdam School of the Arts and has presented her work at a number of national and international dance science and psychology conferences.

Lucie is available for group or individual consultancy/workshops within any area of performance, organisational or cognitive psychology for dancers, dance teachers and dance parents. She also offers one to one and group psychological coaching covering areas such as confidence, career preparation, injury and stress management.

Profession: Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Medicine at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). iBSc Sports and Exercise Medicine Course Leader and Dance Medicine module leader.

Subjects covered:

• Dance-specific fitness testing
• screening
• injury epidemiology
• research

Based: London

Contact Details: 

Email: m.angioi@qmul.ac.uk

Biography:

Dr Manuela Angioi, MSc PhD FIADMS is a Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Medicine at the Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary University of London. She has worked with professional and non-professional dancers as well as circus artists, investigating the effects of increased physical fitness levels on performance and injury epidemiology. Manuela is the leader for Dance Medicine at QMUL where she lectures to clinicians with a special interest in the dancing/ performing arts population. Manuela is also the programme leader for the iBSc Sports and Exercise Medicine. She has contributed to the establishment of NHS Dance Medicine clinic at Mile End Hospital. Manuela provides research consultancy and support to vocational ballet schools, including Royal Ballet School, English National Ballet School and she is involved in a series of screening studies that have been disseminated internationally. Other research interests include: physical fitness and well-being of general population and physical requirements of aesthetics based sports. She has published research findings in many relevant scientific journals, contributing to sports and dance medicine blogs and magazines, as well as presenting at numerous international dance and sports medicine and science conferences. Manuela sits in the research committee of IADMS since 2014 and she has been recently awarded the prestigious title of Fellow of IADMS. Manuela sits in the Editorial Board of the Journal for Dance Medicine & Science.

Profession: Body & Mindset Coach/ Workshop Facilitator/ Social Entrepreneur

Subjects covered:

• Who am I when Im not performing?
• Taking a holistic approach to Performer health
• Navigating Uncertainty & Change (Resilience)
• Handling Criticism (Validation & Praise Addiction)
• Saying No (Healthy Boundaries)
• Entrepreneurial Mindset (Transferable Skills & Multiple Income Streams)
• Identity (Self Belief)
• Self Care (Nourishing & Sustainable Practices)

Based: London

Contact details: 

E-mail: marissa@marissamccallam.com

Website: https://www.marissamccallam.com/

Biography:

Passion for Self Development, experience as a Performer/Dance Teacher and my love for physical activity have made me a firm advocate for the benefits of body-connection and its links to mental well being. This led me to leave my career of 10+ years in the international Corporate sector to pursue my calling as a Coach.

I use a combination of NLP, Personal Performance Development, Positive Psychology, Somatic techniques, Hypnosis and Time Line Therapy®. The result is a holistic approach, fostering an individual’s ability to draw from their resources, connect with their Inner Wisdom and build their sense of Self Trust.

Profession: Professor in Dance Science; strength and conditioning coach

Subjects covered:

• Strength and conditioning
• Fitness and dance
• Periodisation for schools and companies
• Nutrition for dancers and performance
• Motor learning and teaching fundamentals for dancers
• Health and injury prevention for dancers

Based: West Midlands

Contact Details: 

Tel: 07972136145

Email: m.wyon@wlv.ac.uk

Biography:

Matthew Wyon, PhD, is a Professor in Dance Science at the University of Wolverhampton, UK and a Visiting Professor at University College London and Institute of the Arts, The Netherlands. He is the course leader for the MSc in Dance Science and Director of Studies for a number of dance science and medicine doctoral candidates. He is a founding partner of the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science, UK and President of International Association for Dance Medicine & Science. He has worked with numerous dancers and companies within the UK and Europe as an applied physiologist and strength 

and conditioning coach. His research focuses on injury epidemiology and performance enhancement in dance; presently he has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles in dance medicine and science.

This speaker offers a discount on their services for One Dance UK members. Head to your member's area to take advantage of this offer.

Profession: Psychologist, Movement Therapist (Well-Being Practitioner/Counsellor) and Choreographer

Subjects covered:

• Psychology
• Kathak and Contemporary Dance
• Choreography
• Movement Therapy 

Based: Leeds

Contact details: 

Email: rhythmosaic@gmail.com

Website: www.rhythmosaic.com

Biography:

As a kathak contemporary artist Mitul has collaborated and created works for several internationally renowned companies and presented her work in various world-renowned venues, such as the Royal Danish Ballet, (Playhouse), Belarus Philharmonic Society, Beijing Dance Festival, Abundance Dance Festival, and Thailand International Arts Festival. 

She has collaborated with companies and choreographers- Offjazz Dance Academy, France, Beijing Dance/LDTX, China, Phoenix Dance Theater UK. Kalasangam, YDance UK(workshop,) SAA Arts UK (workshop), NSCD( CAT Programme workshop). Leeds Beckett University(workshop). 

Her artistic interest is to create original voice which fosters meaningful and valuable collaborations, encouraging creative dialogues whilst emerging radical works. Her immersion into the world of psychological studies and obtaining a Ph.D. from it, allowed to develop ways that can address specific needs of artists and their creative concern – eventually introducing them to strategies and methods of well-being and counselling, assisting in re-inventing themselves as a person, as an artist and as a positive entity, willing to re-appear constantly, though various manifestations. 

Profession: Performance Enhancement Teacher and Dance Scientist, Centre for Advanced Training, Trinity Laban; Female movement coach with SOMA (www.somamovement.co.uk)

Subjects covered:

• Functional training
• posture and alignment
• core and pelvic floor
• the physiology and biomechanics of dance performance
• injury management
• the adolescent dancer
• pre and postnatal musculoskeletal care

Based: London/Hertfordshire

Contact Details:

Tel: 07842902909 

E-mail: somamovement@outlook.com 

Biography:

I am a graduate of a BSc in Sports Science and Health (Dublin City University), an MSc in Dance Science (TrinityLaban) and a diploma in Sports Massage (Sports therapy UK). In 2019, I completed a PhD in clinical exercise physiology and in 2021 I certified as a pre and postnatal corrective exercise practitioner.

I currently work with females navigating their active lifestyles from adolescence to pregnancy, motherhood and beyond. I bring together years of experience working with athletes, dancers and women in their maternal years. I combine my knowledge in functional anatomy, movement mechanics, posture and alignment and exercise prescription to deliver women well informed training programmes that target function, strength, mobility, physical performance, muscle imbalances and unresolved pain and injury.

I’m passionate about dancers investing in the longevity of their physical bodies.

Profession: Medical doctor, specialising in endocrinology and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)

Subjects covered:

• Dance endocrinology
• RED-S
• Pilates for performance

Based: London

Contact Details:

E-mail: nicky@nickykeayfitness.com

Website: www.nickykeayfitness.com

Biography: 

Nicky has extensive clinical and research experience in all aspects of Dance Endocrinology. This includes several published studies on bone health and hormones in dancers at vocational school, professional and retired levels. Nicky presents at many high profile conferences. Nicky created an online resource for athletes and dancers, teachers, parents and healthcare professionals www.health4performance.co.uk. She has also made online courses for coaches and athletes, endorsed by British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine – https://www.sportreadyacademy.com/p/training-as-a-high-performing-female-athlete and https://www.sportreadyacademy.com/p/working-with-high-performing-female-athletes.

Nicky is passionate about raising awareness amongst dancers of RED-S in order to prevent adverse consequences on performance and health. Her other passion is ballet and she continues to take 4 classes a week (with 2 hip replacements).

Nicky is an Honorary Research Fellow at Durham university and Honorary Clinical Lecturer Medicine, University Colleague London.

Profession: Strength & Conditioning Coach and Researcher

Subjects covered:

• Injury management and rehabilitation
• growth and maturation
• strength and physiological power development

Based: Birmingham

Contact Details: 

Email: info@strengthmotionmind.com

Biography:

Nico Kolokythas has over 20 years experience in the athletic development of the adolescent in elite performance in a variety of sports (Judo, Netball, Basketball, Football, Taekwondo, Tennis). Based at Elmhurst Ballet School, U.K. he completed a PhD in injuries and the adolescent ballet dancer and also works as a consultant for Birmingham Royal Ballet. As part of his studies, he led randomised controlled trials in injury prevention in dance and has now developed an injury prevention intervention called “11+Dance”. Currently he is the head of research and performance at Elmhurst Ballet School. He is regular presenter at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science conference and a regular writer/contributor for One Dance UK’s magazine. Since, 2014, Nico has been a visiting lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton, and recently became a visiting lecturer at Bern University. His focus in teaching is on coaching and training methods as well as motor learning & control.

Profession: Performance and Well-Being Specialist

Subjects covered:

• Empowerment training through Dance
• The art of dance as a life skill
• Body-Wise, A Mind-Body Approach to Dancers’ Health & Wellbeing
• Mindful Movement
• Managing Stress and Anxiety
• Why dance YOUR dance?

Based: London

Contact details: 

Tel: +44 (0) 7791 951 860

E-mail: pearl@pearljordan.com

Biography: 

Pearl is a Performance and Wellbeing Specialist, life coach, professional speaker, presenter, educator and trainer. She is founder of the Rhythmic Remedy™ Technique a multi-disciplined, holistic and movement inspired approach to personal and professional development. Pearl has more than three decades experience within the performance industry and 14 in the health and wellbeing sector. She is former President of the Professional Speaking Association, London Region and as Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Bullies Ballerinas Jazz Productions, Pearl toured the company nationally and internationally for 10 years.

Pearl holds a B.A Hons Degree in Performing Arts from Middlesex Polytechnic (now University) and followed this training with an additional year at The Place. She is a qualified Homeopath, a Certified Practitioner of Neuro-Linquistic Programming, Practitioner of Timeline™ Therapy Techniques and Hypnotherapy.

Whether it’s through 1-2-1 coaching, movement inspired health and wellbeing workshops or speaking events, Pearl provides practical and creative tools that enables individuals and groups to find their unique rhythm and move forwards with renewed energy, clarity and intent.

This speaker offers a discount on their services for One Dance UK members. Head to your member's area to take advantage of this offer.

Profession: Researcher, Choreographer, Mentor, Pedagogue (artistic)

Subjects covered:

• Research
• Choreography
• Mentoring
• Pedagogy

Based: Leeds

Contact details: 

Tel: 07586137240

Email: rhythmosaic@gmail.com

Website: www.rhythmosaic.com 

Biography:

Shambik Ghose is a Researcher, Pedagogue Mentor, choreographer and performance maker. Having had the privilege of sharing his expertise Nationally and Internationally in the domain of classical and contemporary artistic practices and performances for more than 15 years, he holds a performing arts Scholarship and Diploma in Musical Theater Dance from The Hongkong Academy for Performing Arts, and an MA in Choreography with Dean’s Scholarship from the Leeds Beckett University UK. He is also pursuing a Ph.D. with the same University with scholarship.

Artistically and academically, he has collaborated with various world-renowned organizations, including: the Royal Danish Ballet, (Playhouse), Belarus Philharmonic Society, Beijing Dance Festival, Abundance Dance Festival, Thailand International Arts Festival, Offjazz Dance Academy (France), Beijing Dance/LDTX, China, Phoenix Dance Theater UK, Kalasangam UK, YDance UK(workshop,) SAA Arts UK (workshop), NSCD( CAT Programme workshop), Leeds Beckett University(workshop). 

He functions in situations where artists face questions distinguishing between practice and research, devising effective strategies for their engagements and reinforcing their artistic flourish. He is keen to examine the research gaps where practice of choreography, pedagogy and performance making lacks strategized method.

This speaker offers a discount on their services for One Dance UK members. Head to your member's area to take advantage of this offer.

Profession: Researcher/consultant/educator – adolescent dancer health and wellbeing

Subjects Covered: As a specialist in the field of growth and maturation there are a number of talks and workshops Siobhan offers which can be tailored to dance teachers, students or parent/guardians of young dancers. Workshops/talks can cover a range of topics specific to the adolescent dancer including an introduction to growth and maturation, physiological and psychological perspectives on training the adolescent dancer, managing and monitoring growth and maturation and implications of maturity timing for health and performance.

Based: Bath

Contact Details: 

Tel: 07428636586

E-mail: theadolescentdancer@gmail.com

Website: www.theadolescentdancer.com

Biography: 

Siobhan trained as a dancer before going on to complete a BA Hons in Dance Studies at the University of Roehampton, an MSc in Dance Science at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and an MRes in Health and Wellbeing at the University of Bath. Awarded an ESRC studentship in 2014, Siobhan completed her PhD studies at the University of Bath exploring growth and maturation in the context of dance, specifically psychosocial and physical implications of differing maturity timing in young dancers. Siobhan has expertise in growth and maturation in performing arts and sports contexts, biocultural approaches to adolescent development and mediated effects models of adolescent adaptation with an interest in health risk behaviours. Siobhan works as a research associate, lecturer and delivers educational sessions for dancers and dance teachers on the topic of growth and maturation.

Profession: Performer, neuroscientist and dance teacher

Subjects covered:

• Neurocognition
• Teaching techniques and learning styles
• Neurodiversity
• Dance healing
• Body image
• Mental Health Tools

Based: Amsterdam/Lisbon (willing to travel)

Contact details: 

Tel: 0031620672179

E-mail: substancianigra@neuroscienceofdance.com

Biography:

Sophia has been a dancer and performer for the past 8 years being trained in modern dance, dance therapy, somatic practices and butoh. She has a degree in Psychology and has done her postgraduate studies in neuroscience with a focus on dance. She is a certified suicide first aider and worked as a mental health practitioner for 4 years. During those 4 years, she counselled adults (including dancers) with various mental health problems.

Through her Neuroscience of Dance project and Dance Integrated Healing Method, Sophia provides neurocognitive and dance healing tools. She has been helping dancers and dance teachers all over the world for the past two years through 1-1 sessions and various workshops with the following key aspects: dealing with injuries, neurological recovery, overcoming struggles (memory, equilibrium, learning difficulties), improving dance environments and teaching techniques, improving mental well-being, improving dance skills, and using dance for healing purposes. Seeing people improving, recovering, falling in love with dance fuels her drive to do more for others.

Whilst her focus is on dancers, the audience is often broad leading her to also assist parents, psychiatrists, psychologists, physiotherapists, doctors, and dance science students who are keen to know more about the brain, movement, body dynamics and how to better apply it in their practices.

Currently, Sophia still takes part in research, conducts the Dance is Medicine Podcast, occasionally grades academic work and teaches cognitive neuroscience and brain imaging research methods.

She is available for consultancy, workshops, interviews, collaborations, talks: https://www.neuroscienceofdance.co/

Profession: Psychotherapist/counsellor

Subjects covered: In Terry’s proactive mental health workshops, a wide range of general mental health issues relating to dancers are explored, some of which are: anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bipolar, perfectionism, obsessive compulsive disorder, loss/bereavement, bullying and low self-esteem. Mental health issues relating to injuries are also discussed as are guided visualisations and meditations, breathing and relaxation techniques. Terry’s talks can be tailored to the inviting organisation’s needs. Therapy sessions are via Zoom as are workshops at present.

Based: Sussex, and the Isle Of Wight

Contact Details: 

Tel: 07831 567530

Email: counsellingfordancers@gmail.com

Website: https://www.counsellingfordancers.com

Biography: 

Terry is a psychotherapist, with an MA in Psychotherapy & Healing Practice validated by Middlesex University. He is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). His practices are in Brighton & Hove, and the Isle of Wight. He also carries out therapy by phone and Zoom. Now back to the beginning. Having completed a five-year scholarship at the RAD, and after leaving the Royal Ballet School senior school, Terry danced with The Royal Ballet and as a soloist with London’s Festival Ballet (now ENB). After which he performed in musical theatre, both in the West End and on tour, as well as on TV and in films. On retiring from performing, Terry set up and ran for 15 years, a business management organisation for both high profile and “jobbing” professionals in show business. This puts Terry in a unique position of “having been there and done that,” to be able to help dancers with their unique mental health situations of being a human being but also aiming to be an elite dancer, with the emotional and physical pressures that come with it.

Terry’s Help4Dancers is availble now, as is his book on Mental Health Self-Care for Dancers.