2 December 2004 00:00:00 EST - Updated July 2005
Biomechanical Analysis,
Correction and Retraining - Reaching the Next Level of Performance in Classical
Ballet and Olympic Development Programs
Stephen M. Apatow, Biomechanics Specialist,
Director of Research and Development for the Sports Medicine and Science Institute
has expanded a specialized program for the elite dancer in Classical Ballet
Training into Olympic Development Programs and at the request of the medical
community, orthopedic applications that include entrapment neuropathies, scoliosis,
rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, fibromyalgia, friedreich ataxia, multiple sclerosis
and veterinary cases (canine, equine).
December 3, 2004 -- While training for international competition in two
sports during the 1980's, Stephen M.Apatow continued
his intensive studies of myology, anthrology, osteology, neurology, exercise
physiology and biomechanics. These studies in conjunction with scholarships
in dance and ballet training, led to further research of the ideal postural
alignment objective in the classical ballet development program. This research
encompassed an intensive analysis of the first through eighth year of the
pedagogical system and Vagonova teaching method as taught at the Nutmeg Conservatory
for the Arts in Torrington, Connecticut. The result of this research led to
the development of a specialized program that encompassed (1) the analysis
of a joint complex by comparison to the classical ballet mechanical ideal,
(2) the integration of corrective procedures to increase the elasticity of
muscle-tendon restrictions associated with a malalignment pattern, (3) functional
restoration of joint range of motion and flexibility and (4) retraining to
enable postural control utilizing the ideal classical ballet based alignment
as the objective.
In 1990, this experimental program was utilized to enhance the postural
alignment mechanics of elite dancer, Cheryl Madeux, during a preparation
period for the Lausanne International Ballet Competition. The program yielded
immediate results, including increased hip range of motion (turnout), correction
of knee, ankle foot malalignment problems (that result from turnout below
the knee), spinal and shoulder alignment (restrictions of the shoulder complex
that affected port de bra and cervical spine alignment). Corrections were
then integrated into a concentrated retraining program that consisted of fundamental
exercise sequences at the ballet barre and integration into all choreographed
movement. A nutrition and classical ballet specific aerobic training regimen
was also developed to enhance conditioning and bodyline. The results of the
one-month intensive program yielded a rapid progression to the next technical
level of performance, an accomplishment not considered attainable through
the classical ballet program alone.
Note: Nutmeg Alumni: Cheryl Madeux (1990) became the only American finalist
at the Prix de Lausanne and later became "Presidential Scholar" of Arts Recognition
& Talent Search, performing for President Bush at the White House. Miss
Madeux later joined the Joffrey Ballet and has been principal ballerina for
the Hartford Ballet. She now dances with American Ballet Theatre.
The Madeux case served as a starting point for the integration of this work
into all levels of the pedagogical program at Nutmeg Ballet. In the early
90's the biomechanical analysis, correction and retraining program was adapted
for athletes in Olympic and sports development programs and at the request
of the medical community, orthopedic applications that included entrapment
neuropathies, scoliosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, fibromyalgia, friedreich
ataxia, multiple sclerosis and veterinary cases (canine, equine).
The course "Optimization
of Classical Ballet and Sports Development Programs" was first introduced
in 1999 at the National Conference for the Society of State Directors of
Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (SSDHPER - 73rd Annual Meeting
Program) for U.S. Board of Education offices and health educators representing
all 50 states. This course was formally presented as an International Sports
Science Association (ISSA) accredited course at the 11 state American Alliance
for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) Combined Convention
on February 12, 2003 in Reno-Sparks, Nevada.
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