IADMS Day for Dance Teachers 2026

Inspire and Amplify Your Teaching: Discover the Latest in Dance Science from Australian Leaders
Sunday, February 22, 2026

Hybrid Event — In-Person • Watch Parties • Virtual

Hosted By

The International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS)
In collaboration with:

• Sydney Dance Company

• Bangarra Dance Theatre

• Queensland Ballet

• The Australian Ballet School

• West Australian Ballet

Event Overview

Join IADMS for a nationwide Day for Dance Teachers, featuring Australia’s leading dance companies, schools, educators, and practitioners. Throughout the day, you’ll explore how dance science is being integrated into both studio practice and stage performance through practical, research-informed, immediately applicable teaching tools.

This hybrid event offers:

• In-person presentations hosted by participating institutions

• Local watch parties

• Fully virtual access

Each session includes 30 minutes of content + 10 minutes of Q&A, designed to inspire your teaching and support the dancers you work with.

Locations

• Sydney, NSW: Sydney Dance Company with Bangarra Dance Theatre

• Melbourne, VIC: The Australian Ballet School

• Perth, WA: West Australian Ballet

Registration Fees

(+3% service fees)

Program Schedule (Local Time Zones)

Perth (WA) / Sydney & Melbourne (NSW/VIC)

Detailed Session Descriptions

Welcome

Opening remarks and orientation for all participants.
In-person host site: Sydney Dance Company

Session 1

Training inclusively: teaching the artist

Speakers:
Sydney Dance Company

• Samantha (Sam) Dashwood — Head of Open Programs & Learning

• Alexandria (Lexy) Panetta — Learning Associate

• Linda Ridgway Gamblin — Head of Training

Overview:
Explore how anatomical differences, mindful language, and psychologically safe environments shape effective inclusive dance training. This session demonstrates how movement science and artistic pedagogy work together to support both technical growth and creative inquiry.

In-person venue: Sydney Dance Company, Sydney, NSW

Session 2

Heads up in the studio: concussion awareness for dance educators

Speaker:
Bangarra Dance Theatre

• Michelle Wong — Head of Performance Health

Overview:
Understand concussion prevalence in dance and learn the key signs and symptoms educators should recognize to keep dancers safe.

In-person venue: Bangarra Dance Theatre @ Sydney Dance Company, Sydney, NSW

Session 3

The language of pain and injury: optimizing language and cuing for managing injury

Speaker:
West Australian Ballet

• Isaac Campbell — Head of Performance Health

Overview:
Coming soon.

In-person venue: West Australian Ballet, Perth, WA

Session 4

Healthy bodies, healthy dancing: food, energy, body image & self-esteem

Speakers:
The Australian Ballet School Health & Wellbeing Team + Artistic Team

• Teagan Lowe — Health & Wellbeing Manager

• Gabrielle Davidson — Lead Physiotherapist

• Bradley Smith — Strength & Conditioning Lead, Physiotherapist

• Sarah Perkins — Strength & Conditioning Coach

• Lyndelle Steer — Specialist Coach & Classical Ballet Teacher

• (Additional appearances from Artistic Director & Head of School, Megan Connelly)

Overview:
An evidence-based look at a whole-school, interdisciplinary approach to wellbeing in pre-professional training. Learn how the School integrates fuel, recovery, load monitoring, body image, self-esteem, and studio culture into a unified “Healthy Dancing” framework, with practical examples for immediate adoption.

In-person venue: The Australian Ballet School, Melbourne, VIC

Closing Remarks

Wrap-up, reflections, and acknowledgments from IADMS and host organizations.

Watch Party Host Sites & Live Presentation Origins