Posted by: IADMS Promotion Committee 

This year's Annual Conference will host a few IADMS DUELS!
Here, we will introduce you to the two duelists debating SHOULD DANCERS RUN?

Speaking for the AFFIRMATIVE:
Andrea Kozai, IADMS Development Committee Chair from Pittsburgh, PA, USA. 

Photographer: Amy Leipziger

1. Could you tell us about your presentation theme at the 27th IADMS Annual Conference?

I will be participating in a duel titled "Should dancers run?" I will be arguing that running is an excellent method of cross-conditioning that dancers need not fear. It can be safely added to most dancers' training regimens as long as attention is paid to certain principles.

2. Why is it import to discuss this topic with the IADMS community? What are the implications of this topic to the dance sector/dance health professionals?

In my research into this question, I came across many sources of inaccurate and fear-inducing information. There is a pervasive stereotype within the dance community that running is harmful for dancers; many worry that it will cause unsightly muscle bulk or lost flexibility, or is too high-impact. It is important for the dance sector to have a source of scientifically-based information from which to draw when making cross-training decisions, and IADMS fulfils this role beautifully.

3. What are your thoughts on IADMS relevance for your field of work?

The work of IADMS has influenced my personal dance practice, my understanding of the health needs of dancers, and my interest in conducting more research to bolster the knowledge that already exists.

4. Personally, what is the importance of attending to IADMS annual conferences?

I currently chair the Development Committee, so it is very important to me to be able to meet with my colleagues in person whenever possible. But more than that, the friendships I have been able to develop, the phenomenal places in the world I've been able to visit, and the primordial soup of ideas that IADMS Annual Conferences continually provide mean I plan my year around attending.

5. What do you think you are most looking forward to on this year’s conference?

There's a lot of great stuff this year! I'm looking forward to the many presentations about cross training, of course, but I think I'm most excited to see the session offered by Risa Steinberg on Friday. She is one of the best teachers I've had the good fortune to study with, and I think she will have some great ideas to share! 

Speaking for the NEGATIVE:
Melanie Fuller, from Queensland University of Technology – Dance, Creative Industries Faculty, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. 

Photographer: Cameron Shackell

1. Could you tell us about your presentation theme at the 27th IADMS Annual Conference?

I am presenting a systematic review on dancers’ susceptibility to injury when transitioning to full-time training and professional companies, and discussing this in relation to transitions in training load. I have also been invited to participate in a duel. It’s been great to explore a broader research base around my allocated side of the topic, “Should dancers run?” I think it’s useful to look outside of dance to see what evidence from other sports could inform our dance practices, not only to prevent injury, but also to promote performance. I believe the two can complement each other.

2. Why is it important to discuss this topic with the IADMS community? What are the implications of this topic to the dance sector/dance health professionals?

I want to explore ways to help dancers perform better, whilst reducing the risk of injury. If dancers are not having time off due to injury, it gives them more time to train hard and achieve new highs in their artistic (and athletic) development.

3. What are your thoughts on IADMS relevance for your field of work?

As a physiotherapist and PhD candidate, the IADMS conference, the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, and the wealth of IADMS resources inform my clinical practice, as well as shape my research questions and enthusiasm for dance.

4. Personally, what is the importance of attending IADMS annual conferences?

I embrace the opportunity to develop ideas, and share experiences with colleagues from other parts of the world with a common passion for dance. I enjoy hearing practitioner’s intuitions, and researcher’s findings, to inform my practice in the context I work in. I often come away with new questions that inspire me to look for answers, and renew my eagerness to continue to better my work with dancers.

5. What do you think you are most looking forward to on this year’s conference?

I am looking forward to hearing the many intriguing presentations I see on the schedule, but also meeting new colleagues, and catching up with old friends. In particular, I look forward to meeting the other presenters in the session I am presenting in, and discussing our common research interests.