IADMS New York 2002   [back to the Category]

Utilization of a Screening Tool for the Adolescent Dancer With Recommendations for In-Class Warm-Up   [read the french version]

Author :   Donna Williams, MHS, PT & Al.

Utilization of a Screening Tool for the Adolescent Dancer
With Recommendations for In-Class Warm-Up Activities


Donna Williams, MHS, PT, Katie Lemmon, ATC, Julie O’Connell PT, ATC
AthletiCo Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy
Chicago, IL, USA


The object of this presentation is to explain the use of a basic screening form to determine recommendations for stretching and strengthening exercises for the adolescent dancer. These exercises are to be incorporated into the warm-up portion of dance classes under the dance instructor’s direction. These deficits are identified by utilization of a screening form derived from a combination of previously published forms and the experience obtained by the authors through rehabilitating the injured dance population. The screens identify areas of weaknesses that may increase the risk of injury to the adolescent dancer. Licensed physical therapists and athletic trainers who specialize in the treatment of the dance population perform the screenings at studios throughout the Chicagoland area. The population targeted is the adolescent dancer that participates in at least three to five classes per week. It is thought that there are common deficits present in the students of each particular studio dependent upon the style of dance or technique approach. These deficits are discussed with the dance instructors with recommendations for warm-up activities or attention to specific technique corrections in class. The screens are repeated again after three months to determine the effectiveness of the recommendations with respect to the previously noted deficits. The authors treat a significant number of professional dance company members in Chicago and note the common deficits according to the repertoire performed. It is our concern to identify and address these risks in the adolescent dancer through screenings and education of the instructors and dancers. Prevention of poor technique, weakness and inflexibility will decrease the risk of injury and prolong the career of the dancer.