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2005 Equestrian Scholarships & Specialized Programs
2005 Arts and Olympic Development Scholarships: Click here

The challenge presented by artistic director Sharon Dante (Gold Medalist Coach of Victoria Mazzarelli, NYC International Ballet Competition in 1984) was to improve the technical ability of the studios most artistically talented dancer. 

In response to that request, a specialized six week program was developed to optimize the classical ballet based alignment mechanics of the spine and extremities, providing dancer Cheryl Madeux with the capacity to progress to the next technical level. The success of this program led to a top 10  finish at the Lausanne International Ballet Competition in 1990 (Register Citizen: Regimen Changes Body). Cheryl was also awarded the Presidential Scholar for Arts Recognition, performing for President Bush at the White House before beginning her dancing career with the Joffrey Ballet.
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Read : Performance Optimization: Progressing to the Next Level in Classical Ballet and Olympic Development Programs:  The specialized program that enhanced the ability of the elite classical ballet dancer to progress from 2-3 to 7-8  turns on pointe, increase flexibility, alignment, control and integration into technical fundamentals in a one month time period, is now available for all dance, sports and Olympic development programs. 

The Rider Biomechanics Program

Specialized intensive consultations provide a rider with the same analysis, correction and retraining program designed for the international level dancer in Soviet ballet training, but adapted for international and Olympic level equestrian development. This program includes:

  • Analysis of flexibility and alignment, accomplished by comparison of the rider's spine and extremity mechanics to the ideal classical ballet model.
  • Introduction of corrective work to increase the functional joint range of motion of the spine and extremities to enhance the riders capacity to achieve the classical ballet alignment objective.  
  • Integration of classical ballet based alignment into riding specific skills that include posting, halt/half halt, turn mechanics, spiral seat and lateral movements, providing a kinesthetic awareness of muscle control and coordination in a static environment. 
  • The provision stretch, flexibility exercises and guidelines to assist the rider with the incorporation of this work into their overall development program..

The Sporthorse Biomechanics Application:

Procedures used to enhance the spinal and extremity mechanics of the elite dancer in classical ballet find applications relating to the optimization of equine performance. For additional information, visit:


Qualifications: 

Athletes must be currently involved in training for international or olympic level competition with scholarships granted based on need. 

Intensive programs encompass approximately 3-5 hours per session. 

Intensive programs encompass approximately 3-5 hours per session. Expenses covered by scholarship recipients will be limited to training facilities, travel & accommodations. 

Application: Athletes that meet the above criteria are asked to submit a cover letter, which includes a bio, training and competition overview to s.m.apatow@esportsmedicine.org

Due to US and International demographic limitations and desire of athletes to begin the immediate implementation of the program, coaching assistance is offered via teleconference, email and provision of internet based resources for study materials and communication. 


2005 Education Fund: SportBallet Olympic Development Program

Corporations or individuals that would like to make a financial contribution to this olympic development program are asked to contact S.M.Apatow at (203) 668-0282 or via email at s.m.apatow@esportsmedicine.org


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For questions or additional information, contact: 
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Stephen M. Apatow
President, Director of Research and Development
Biomechanics Specialist & Technical Consultant

Sports Medicine & Science Institute
167 Cherry Street, # 260
Milford, Connecticut  06460
Telephone: (203) 668-0282
Internet: www.esportsmedicine.org
Email: s.m.apatow@esportsmedicine.org
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