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).
(PRWEB) December 3, 2004 -- While training for international competition in two sports during the 1980's, Stephen M.Apatow (www.esportsmedicine.org/sma_cv.html) 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" (www.esportsmedicine.org/healthpromotion.html) 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.
Related educational initiatives include:
Tour de America: Motivational Speaker, Stephen M. Apatow pushed the limits of human performance - the race encompassed cycling twice across the United States, then a run across America, for a cause. As a competitive athlete, coach and consultant, in pursuit of international competition in two sports, Stephen M. Apatow chose to focus his energy on community service and volunteerism. Url: www.tourdeamerica.com
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. Url: www.esportsmedicine.org/optimization.html
Dressage Today: Ask The Expert (April 2000): Workshops on the topic of rider biomechanics is offered to clubs and equestrian facilities throughout the United States. Url: www.esportsmedicine.org/equestrian/dt42000.html
Developmental Optimization of Candidates Preparing for Service in the United States Marine Corps - A Model for Armed Forces Development. Url: www.esportsmedicine.org/mil/dev_usmc.html
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