Program Title: Optimization of Classical Ballet and Sports Development Programs

Preconference Workshop: Wednesday, February 12, 2003
John Ascuaga's Nugget Resort Hotel & Casino 
Room: Bonanza A

Presenter: Stephen M. Apatow (Curriculum Vitae) 
Director of Research and Development
SportBallet Consulting Group

Continuing Education Units: 5 CEU hours accredited by the International Sports Science Association

General Overview:

Classical ballet training (CBT) is considered to be the most advanced technical movement mechanics training in the world, providing a foundation for the development of joint strength, postural alignment and precision control of the human frame in space.  Utilizing the CBT mechanical ideal as a reference point, we will focus on performance optimization as well as how deviation from the mechanical ideal corresponds with the mechanism of joint stress and injury (Sports Medicine Advisories). The subject matter in this program was first introduced in 1999 at the National Conference for the Society of State Directors of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (73rd Annual Meeting Program) for Board of Education offices and health educators representing all 50 states.

Combined with the lecture, practical exercises in postural analysis and correction will provide participants with a functional understanding of:

• The science of classical ballet training and analysis of alignment. 
• Common mechanisms of joint stress, injury and prevention.
• Developmental challenges in U.S. classical ballet and sports development programs.
• Accentuated training, pre-class warm-up, stretch and flexibility. 
• Practical applications of classical ballet based alignment into upper and lower body exercise sequences.
• Integration of classical ballet alignment ideals into sports specific skills (Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Golf, Gymnastics, Equestrian, Martial Arts, Cross-country and Downhill Skiing and more).

8:30-9:00:  Registration
9:00-10:15: Part I - Introduction and background information.
10:15-10:30: Break
10:30-12:00: Part II - Functional applications.
12:00-1:00:  Lunch Break
1:00-3:00: Part III - Classical ballet based alignment integration into dance & sports specific development.  Includes individual sports overview and open discussion of issues/questions presented by workshop participants.

Schedule: Session II
Elementary, Middle School and Secondary Education Programs

3:00-3:30:  Registration
3:30-4:30: Part I - Introduction and background information.
4:30-4:45: Break
4:45-6:00: Part II - Functional applications.
6:00-7:00:  Dinner Break
7:00-9:00: Part III - Classical ballet based alignment integration into dance & sports specific development.  Includes individual sports overview and open discussion of issues/questions presented by workshop participants.

Note: Parents and coaches not affiliated with the academic community are invited to attend either session.

Workshop Fee:

$50.00 includes materials and handouts.  Participants will receive a certificate of completion and the program is accredited for 5 CEU hours by the International Sports Science Association.

Pre-registration recommended: Click here for form  Seating capacity limited to 275 seats per session

Note: All participants must be registered for the AAHPERD Combined Convention (Program), February 12-15, Reno, Nevada. Click here for online registration form.

This workshop is the first of a series of national presentations that will also be developed into a distance education program.

For questions or additional information, contact:

SportBallet Consulting Group
Internet: www.sportballet.com
Email: info@sportballet.com
Eastern United States: (203) 668-0282
Western United States: (775) 884-4680
 

Related Information:

• International Sports Science Association: In The Spotlight: September 2002 -  Stephen M. Apatow, International coach for dance and Olympic development programs provides educational opportunities and coaching assistance to disadvantaged youth across the United States.
• Youth Programs: Focus on the Pursuit of Excellence:  SportBallet Consulting Group in partnership with Humanitarian Resource Institute is expanding health education initiatives targeting youth. .