Dance Teachers Learn Injury Prevention at Marblehead School of Ballet

Protecting the body from injury is important to a dancer. Teachers Tanya T. Roberts and Melissa Desrosiers and director Ann Davison from The Bedford Youth Performing Company in Bedford, New Hampshire visited the Marblehead School of Ballet and attended a customized workshop presenting in-depth lessons on injury prevention techniques using proper alignment and core strength for dancers.

According to Paula K. Shiff, Director of the Marblehead School of Ballet, ballet should be taught from the inside out rather than from the outside in. "Many teachers think in terms of teaching particular steps, but correct alignment and proper body mechanics are the key to beautiful technique. Emphasizing correct body alignment and efficient body mechanics allows the dancer to develop balance, strength, flexibility and coordination. A well-trained dancer can be more musical and most importantly, avoid injury. Brilliant technique will develop if the body is strong and balanced," she said.

"What a success! Paula Shiff's understanding of how the body moves and how to correct potential problems is unsurpassed. She designed the workshop to meet our specific needs and it was packed full of valuable information that I took back to my class the very next day to benefit my students. We look forward to scheduling more events with our faculty and our students alike," said Ann Davison, Executive Director of The Bedford Youth Performing Company.

Celebrating its 45th year, the Marblehead School of Ballet, founded in 1971 by Paula K. Shiff, has earned a wide reputation for the excellence of its training and integrity of purpose. Classical ballet forms the core of teaching with particular emphasis on correct alignment and development of strength and agility. The sheer pleasure of dance and of music is always central to the classroom experience.

The basic graded program for children includes classes in ballet technique with advanced work in repertoire and pointe. The school also offers a modern dance department, classes for young children in creative movement and classes in improvisation and technique for the older student. A full range of adult classes is offered.

MSB is home to the North Shore Civic Ballet Company (NSCBC). The NSCB gives concert performances and a variety of educational programs for schools; all are suitable for different age groups and levels of development.

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