On World Ballet Day, School of Alberta Ballet and The University of Calgary Highlight the Science Behind Ballet
CALGARY, Oct. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - This World Ballet Day, the School of Alberta Ballet is celebrating a local research partnership that uniquely recognizes the athlete in the artist and highlights the science behind ballet.
The University of Calgary (UCalgary) - Alberta Ballet Dance Science Partnership pairs research work with the School of Alberta Ballet's intensive training. Sarah Kenny, Assistant Professor in Dance Science (through the Faculties of Kinesiology and Arts) is researching injury prevention in pre-professional dancers with these students.
The partnership is the only one of its kind in North America and one of just five found throughout the world.
Says Kenny, "Research suggests that rigorous dance training increases a dancer's susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries, rendering dance as a "high-risk" activity. Our work allows us to identify potential risk factors for injuries among these young artist athletes."
The partnership strives to set up students for longer healthier professional dance careers.
Professional training at the School of Alberta Ballet includes an academic stream and private boarding residence for students in grades 8 through 12. Last year, 12 graduates from the School of Alberta Ballet accepted professional dance contracts. Three of these graduates are now with Alberta Ballet. Others have accepted contracts with companies such as San Diego Ballet, Moscow Ballet and Austria's Opera Graz.
World Ballet Day is an annual celebration of ballet and this year takes place on October 5.
About the School of Alberta Ballet
For 25 years, the School of Alberta Ballet has been consistently recognized as a world class training facility and charitable organization. Under the leadership of Artistic Principal Ashley McNeil, the School has an annual enrolment of more than 600 students in its Open and Professional Divisions. The School of Alberta Ballet has an active community profile. Its outreach and community programs reach thousands of children every year in Calgary and Edmonton.
SOURCE Alberta Ballet
Media Inquiries: Alberta Ballet, Cindy Soderstrom, Director, Public Relations, C: 403.816.1542, E: [email protected]; University of Calgary, Leanne Yohemas, Director, Communications and Marketing, Faculty of Kinesiology, T: 403.220.7652, E: [email protected]
Share this article