Dance Health & Performance
October 2–7, 2024 | Shenzhen, China
Over the course of six intensive days, the Dance Performance & Health Workshop gathered a diverse group of dancers, educators, and movement professionals to focus on one central question: How can we train and recover in ways that are both artistically fulfilling and physically sustainable?
This program was designed for dancers who are ready to go beyond traditional training methods—to deepen their understanding of their own bodies, prevent injury, and unlock new levels of performance. Split into two thematic segments, each with a distinct focus, the workshop offered both practical tools and theoretical knowledge from the fields of dance science, somatics, and performance health.
Each session combined theory with practical applications, offering a comprehensive and science-backed approach to performance and wellness. Led by professionals with backgrounds in ballet, dance medicine, and sports science, the workshop empowered dancers to train smarter and recover better—both in and out of the studio.
Why it mattered
What set this program apart was not just its content, but its mindset. Rather than focusing on short-term gains or aesthetic perfection, it empowered dancers to train smarter, not harder—to understand their own anatomy, to question unhealthy training norms, and to take ownership of their physical and mental health as artists.
What made this workshop different was its mindset:
We didn’t tell dancers what to do — we taught them how to explore.
We shared a wide spectrum of training methods, rather than promoting one fixed system.
We encouraged dancers to question, experience, and adapt, learning not just from teachers, but from their own bodies.
By the end of the week, participants had experienced a whole new world of training possibilities — one where dance and health support each other, and where your body becomes your most valuable teacher.
Dance Recovery & Rehabilitation
October 2–4
This first section of the workshop focused on body awareness, injury prevention, and recovery techniques. Through a combination of guided movement practice, anatomical analysis, and muscle reconditioning, dancers learned how to identify tension patterns, release overused areas, and rebuild strength after fatigue or injury.
Sessions emphasized:
Functional warm-up and cool-down strategies
Common causes of dance injuries
Self-mobilization techniques
Breathing and neuromuscular regulation
Principles of dance-specific recovery planning
Scientific Flexibility & Strength
October 5–7
The second part of the workshop addressed the growing need for safe and sustainable flexibility training. Instead of relying on passive stretching or forced positions, this approach was grounded in applied anatomy and strength training principles. Dancers worked with resistance bands, partners, and their own body weight to expand range of motion while maintaining joint integrity and muscular control.
Core areas included:
The difference between flexibility and mobility
How to train end-range strength
Dynamic vs static stretching protocols
Targeted flexibility techniques for hips, back, and turnout
Individualized progress tracking and flexibility goals
