The Educators Committee of IADMS promotes communication and education for dance teachers, dance students, parents, dancers, and the medical and other health practitioners who provide their care.

The Committee also seeks to recognize teachers who integrate principles of dance science in their teaching and is seeking nominations for the 2017 IADMS Dance Educators Award from around the world.

The recipient of this recognition shows evidence of substantial impact through teaching dance and has influenced future dance teachers. Additional evidence for the award comes from service to the field of dance medicine and science as well as mentoring students participating in dance medicine and science events and conferences.

The 2016 IADMS Education Committee Dance Educator Award is presented to Dr. Tom Welsh, Professor at Florida State University. Tom joins Dr. Janice Plastino, recipient of the 1st IADMS Dance Educator Award and Janet Karin, recipient of the award in 2015 in receiving this honor from the IADMS Education committee.

An initial letter of nomination will be used to address the candidate’s eligibility, and additional letters of support will be solicited from parents, school directors, and/or former students. Nomination submissions will be due May 1, 2017. The candidate will be selected by the Educators Committee and will be recognized at the Annual Meeting in October.

The criteria for the award describe a dance educator who:

• demonstrates long standing support for the integration and implementation of dance science in the classroom and technique studio;
• has developed a system of training based on sound knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and/or psychology;
• understands and effectively communicates the biomechanical components of movement and dance training principles, both intuitively and based on research, to augment artistic performance;
• can address artistic and pedagogical priorities within a scientific context to help researchers understand the art of dance and dance teaching;
• demonstrates innovative thinking in teaching, is not afraid to challenge myths and historical methods;
• demonstrates attention to physical development and emotional welfare of the student, working to train and educate independent artists fully able in mind, body, and spirit;
• has students who embody and practice the principles that underpin the teacher’s philosophy; demonstrates an ongoing commitment to furthering the field of dance and dance science and IADMS as an organization.

Please send in your nominations to Education@iadms.org.