Research into dance injuries to be showcased at international event

Birmingham Royal Ballet and the University of Wolverhampton have joined forces to host the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) at Birmingham Hippodrome from Thursday, October 28 to Saturday, October 30 2010.

Researchers from around the world will be travelling to Birmingham for the event, which brings together leading experts in dance science and medicine.

Experienced local and national dancers will be performing at the three-day event, showcasing choreography from the region in ballet, contemporary and South Asian dance.

IADMS conferences are held in a different country each year, and this is the first time the University of Wolverhampton has been involved in hosting the annual event.

Dr Matt Wyon, from the University, is a leading researcher in dance science and designed innovative pointe shoes as a way of tackling the high rate of injury suffered by female ballet dancers. The team’s latest research, conducted with Birmingham Royal Ballet, has helped to reduce the injury rate among dancers by 50% and this work will be presented at the conference.

Matt has also carried out research into low levels of Vitamin D caused by dancers rehearsing and performing inside that potentially is linked to poor bone mineral health among dancers.

Dr Wyon said: “This is the most prestigious conference in the field, and provides us with an opportunity of showcasing our world-leading research. It is also an excellent example of how the medical and science world supports the arts.

“We are delighted to be involved in such a high profile event, especially as 2010 is a Year of Dance in Birmingham.”

IADMS conferences are designed to enhance the treatment and training of dancers with the ultimate goal of improving dancers’ health, wellbeing and performance.

The international event is aimed at a whole range of people who work with dancers, from health care professionals to dance teachers. There will be lectures, workshops, forums, case presentations and movement sessions.

The opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, 28 October 2010 and will feature opening comments from the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Caroline Gipps, Tom Welsh, President, IADMS and Steven J. Chatfield, Executive Director, IADMS.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Vickie Warren in the University of Wolverhampton Media Relations Office on 01902 322736 or Simon Harper, Media and PR Manager at Birmingham Royal Ballet, on 0121 245 3562.