Courses
DMEI presents
The Foundational Course
A series of four modules that offer the practitioner a comprehensive diagnostic framework for the evaluation and treatment of dance injuries.
Module I: Introductory Concepts in Dance Medicine
Module I sets the stage by introducing the DMEI framework for evaluating and treating dance injuries that the following more regionally focused Modules will build upon. Special considerations include managing injuries in various stages of the life span, the hypermobile dancer, nutritional issues and considerations, pelvic floor health, technique evaluation, pointe shoe evaluation and pointe work retraining.
Module II: Lower Extremity: Foot, Ankle & Knee
Module II is the first body region specific focus of the Dance Medicine Education Initiative foundational course. This course builds upon the introductory information presented in Module I and applies it to an in-depth evaluation and treatment of foot, ankle, and knee injuries in dancers.
Module III: Lumbopelvic Girdle & Hip
Module III is focused on the evaluation and treatment of the Lumbar Spine, Sacrum, Pelvis & Hip. Building upon the evaluation framework established in Module I as well as clinical considerations introduced in Module II, course participants can expect to attend a class focused on common clinical scenarios of this region that will further develop the clinical framework for assessment and treatment of dance related injuries involving the lower quadrant. This course is structured as a hybrid course including online, pre-course lectures and in-person labs.
Module IV: Upper Quadrant: Thorax, Cervical Spine & Shoulder Girdle
Module IV is the final module of the Dance Medicine Education Initiative Foundational Course and is focused on the evaluation and treatment of the Thorax, Cervical Spine and Shoulder Girdle. Building upon the prior three Modules, course participants will have the opportunity to attend a course that is focused both on issues of mobility, stability, and control of the Upper Quadrant and how movement and control is linked to the lower half of the body. An analysis of rib motion and breathing mechanics is also included with a unique opportunity to work with the Parasetter ™ a proprioceptive tool that can increase the dancer’s awareness of breathing and movement strategies.
DMEI presents
Specialty Courses
A set of collaborations between Andrea Zujko and other leading experts in the field of dance medicine offered in shorter, workshop style formats.
Selection of Past Specialty Courses
Movement Analysis & Retraining of the Dancer: a collaborative course between Andrea Zujko (DMEI) and Marimba Gold-Watts (Articulating Body) focused on blending the fields of Physical Therapy and Pilates.
Beyond the Reformer: Returning the Dancer to Full Pointe Work: a collaborative course between Andrea Zujko (DMEI) and Kristen Kurie (Westside Dance Physical Therapy) focused on bridging the gap between the clinic and the studio.
Refining Turnout: Optimizing Movement & Training Strategies for the Dancer: a collaborative course between Andrea Zujko (DMEI) and Jennifer Milner NCPT (Bodies In:Motion) focused on exercises to optimize external rotation of the hips in both open chain and closed chain dance-based movement patterns.
Refining Arabesque: Optimizing Movement & Training Strategies for the Dancer: a collaborative course between Andrea Zujko (DMEI) and Jennifer Milner NCPT (Bodies In:Motion) focused on the often-challenging movement of arabesque.
Refining Plié and Relevé: Optimizing Movement & Training Strategies for the Dancer: a collaborative course between Andrea Zujko (DMEI) and Jennifer Milner NCPT (Bodies In:Motion) focused on the essential movements of Plié and Relevé. Comprising two of the fundamental building blocks in ballet, the ability to bend the knees and rise onto the balls of the feet are movements that both the novice and the professional utilize to build and maintain strength, flexibility, and balance.
From Stability to Mobility: Progressive Taping Techniques for Dance Injuries: is a collaborative course led by Andrea Zujko and Emma Faulkner, focusing on innovative taping, padding, and bracing techniques for dance-related injuries. It covers when and how to use tape, precautions, and progresses through injury stages. The course is hands-on, offering lab-based learning and individualized feedback to improve taping skills.