On Saturday, October 16 from 10 am to 6 pm, New York City Ballet will present its annual Dance Wellness Workshop at the Company’s Rose Building rehearsal studios at Lincoln Center.  Open to the general public, this series of interactive presentations and panel discussions focuses on the care and healing of the dancer’s body.  The theme for this year’s workshop is Wellness at Every Age—healthy practices and training strategies for wellness in your 20's, 30's, 40's and beyond.

Topics will include an overview of wellness at every age, an experiential session focusing on cross training techniques for optimal performance, nutrition guidance for your 20's, 30's, 40's and beyond, and an exploration of fitness tools to enhance training.  The day will close with an informal, in-studio performance aimed at demonstrating wellness concepts in action.  Participating choreographers will be announced at a later date. 

Speakers for this year’s workshop will include Registered Dietitian, Certified Dietitian/Nutritionist, and Exercise Physiologist Andrea Chernus, Wellness Consultant Dr. Linda Hamilton, Orthopedic Consultant Dr. William Hamilton, and NYCB Physical Therapists Rebecca Blanchard, Jessica Lassiter and Michele Rodriguez.  The series will also feature a panel discussion with NYCB Dancers, including Principal Andrew Veyette and Corps de Ballet member Taylor Stanley among others to be announced at a later date. 

New York City Ballet began holding its Wellness Workshops in 2005, using the Company’s own Wellness Program as the basis for an in-depth look at topics such as physical therapy, nutrition, anatomy, and kinesiology.  The workshops also provide an opportunity for professional dancers, students, educators, parents, and health professionals to interact in an informal setting.

The NYCB Wellness Program, which began in 2001, is the result of a research study conducted by members of the NYCB Wellness Team: Dr. Linda Hamilton, Wellness Consultant; Dr. William Hamilton, Orthopedic Consultant; Marika Molnar, Physical Therapist; and Larry DeMann, Jr., Chiropractic Consultant.  In its research, the team discovered that the majority of dance injuries could be prevented if dancers were made aware of certain risks and taught the best ways to stay healthy. 

Tickets for the NYCB Dance Wellness Workshop are $35 for students and $50 for general admission.  Registration is open to students, professional dancers, parents, teachers, and administrators.  Students must present valid ID. 

To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit NYCB’s website www.nycballet.com/bodiesinbalance.usa or contact the NYCB education department at 212-870-5636 or via email at wellness@nycballet.com.  New York City Ballet’s rehearsal studios are located at the Rose Building at Lincoln Center, 8th Floor, 165 W. 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue.