by Emily Kate Long

I had the privilege last week of attending Dancer Health Day 2012, held July 9 at the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga Springs, New York. The event featured a panel of presenters who addressed a wide range of health issues for dancers: psychology, nutrition, foot health, injury rehab, and cross training, to name a few. The speakers present were Dr Linda Hamilton, Ph.D.; Eliza Minden, creator of Gaynor-Minden pointe shoes; Julia Erickson, co-owner/co-developer of Barre—a real food barre; Meghan Del Prete, a Pilates studio owner and Skidmore College dance faculty member; and Kim Teter, a physical therapist and former member of American Ballet Theatre. These women’s stories were spot on—they’ve been through all the struggles of a life in dance and are now focusing their talents to alleviate some of those difficulties for future generations of dancers. [Read more…]