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The training of elite dancers has not changed in the last 60 years; it is often only those that have survived the training that go on to have a career, not necessarily the most talented. It is time to challenge and change how we train tomorrow's professional dancers. This book brings you the reasons why and all tools to implement change.
10 years ago, Matthew Wyon and Gaby Allard introduced a new pedagogical approach to training vocational dancers: Periodization. This ground-breaking new methodology provides an adaptable framework to optimise training - it's goal-focused, fits to performance schedules, and is highly sustainable for the dancer. It is the future.
For the first time, Wyon and Allard have put their discoveries to paper.
Periodization provides clear context to why change is needed, and explores the theoretical underpinnings of this new approach and how it can be effectively applied to a dance environment.
List of contents
Introduction
1. Explanation of the Concept
2. Periodizaton: A Psychological Perspective
3. Culture Change: More than a Schedule - A Radical Turn Around (Storytelling)
4. Applying the Science
5. Curriculum Change Storytelling
6. The Teachers' Perspective
7. Other Things to Think About
References
Appendices
Index
About the author
Matthew Wyon, PhD, is a Professor in Dance Science at the University of Wolverhampton, UK. He is the course leader for the MSc in Dance Science and Director of Studies for a number of dance science and medicine doctoral candidates. He is a founding partner of the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science, UK and was the President of International Association for Dance Medicine & Science between 2015-17. He has worked with numerous dancers and companies within the UK and Europe as an applied physiologist and strength and conditioning coach.Gaby Allard MA was director of the Faculty of Theatre and Dance, ArtEZ, Netherlands. She trained as a classical dancer at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and then worked extensively with Dance Works Rotterdam.
Summary
The training of elite dancers has not changed in the last 60 years; it is often only those that have survived the training that go on to have a career, not necessarily the most talented. It is time to challenge and change how we train tomorrow’s professional dancers. This book brings you the reasons why and all tools to implement change.
10 years ago, Matthew Wyon and Gaby Allard introduced a new pedagogical approach to training vocational dancers: Periodization. This ground-breaking new methodology provides an adaptable framework to optimise training - it’s goal-focused, fits to performance schedules, and is highly sustainable for the dancer. It is the future.
For the first time, Wyon and Allard have put their discoveries to paper. Periodization provides clear context to why change is needed, and explores the theoretical underpinnings of this new approach and how it can be effectively applied to a dance environment.
Additional text
Its real strength is the equal value placed on the input of different voices … The text fully acknowledges complexities, while providing a clear and thorough explanation of concepts, their cross-connections, and applications; aided throughout by the useful inclusion of ‘case study examples’. This is a must-read for all involved in dance education and training; from administrators and management, to educators, varied practitioners, applied scientists and researchers.
