March 9th – 12th
The Dance Science Symposium is an annual meeting that aims to bring together dancers and dance scientists to discuss critical and emerging research within the field of dance science and medicine. Grounded in the premise that science is not separate from art, the symposium features original research conducted by dancers who are actively contributing to the advancement of knowledge within the field of dance science. The symposium speakers collectively reflect diversity in praxis and theory with respect to their dance training and performance histories, as well as in their respective areas of scientific inquiry.
Admission: Free
The Dance Science Symposium 2021 will be hosted virtually by:
LAB:SYNC & the Dance Program of the Department of Music & Dance, College of Humanities & Fine Arts, University of Massachusetts Amherst
The Science and Application of Fitness in Dance
Allison Seifert, PhD | Central Connecticut State University
Tues. March 9th, 6pm EST (Register)
This presentation will review the basic components of physical fitness and how its development positively impacts performance, injury risk, and support for a long and healthy career for dancers and performing artists.
An Investigation into Duende and its Relationship to Flow among Professional Flamenco Performers
Aviva Kornel, MFA | Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance
Wed. March 10th, 6pm EST (Register)
This presentation will discuss the findings of Aviva’s graduate research. It will look at how professional flamenco dancers and musicians define duende and make sense of the experience. It will also examine how duende enhances performance and its relationship to a flow state.
The Importance of a Periodized Strength and Conditioning Program for Dancers
Barry Parker, PhD & Jessica Sansone, PhD | Shenandoah University
Thurs. March 11th, 6pm EST (Register)
In this talk, we will discuss the benefits of implementing a structured periodized strength and conditioning program in dancers. We will discuss current research and new data from our pilot study with collegiate dancers.
Utilizing Functional Anatomy Concepts in Dance Training: Observations, Inspirations & Notes from the Field
Peggy Gould, MFA | Sarah Lawrence College
Fri. March 12th, 6pm EST (Register)
The adage “knowledge is power” is potentially outmoded in its overly simple assertion and yet for dancing, it continues to hold some truth. When dance artists are provided with specific structural and functional information about anatomy in the context of movement, there is often notable improvement in technical capability and expansion of aesthetic range. This talk, intended for an audience of dancers, educators and scientists, provides an introduction including both anecdotal and practice-based examples.
Panel Discussion
Panelists: Allison Seifert, PhD; Aviva Kornel, MFA; Barry Parker, PhD & Jessica Sansone, PhD; Peggy Gould, MFA
Discussant: Aston K. McCullough, PhD, MS, MA | UMass Amherst
Fri. March 12th, 7pm EST (Register)
A panel discussion on the current state of research in dance science and medicine, with space for musings, insights, and questions as they relate to the next steps and evolutions for research in dance.