We strongly recommend and support the wonderful work of Australian physiotherapist, Lisa Howell. 

Lisa Howel and Ryan King with AvO students October 2008

We were lucky to work with Lisa and attend some special lectures she offered in Cincinnati in October of 2008.  Her boundless energy and passion for helping dancers avoid injury and accomplish unknown potential is truly inspirational.

Click here to download Lisa’s FREE Ballet Parent Manual!

Use “The Ballet Blog” Link on the right to find out more about Lisa’s work! 

Lisa Howell (B.Phty) is a world renowned Dance Physical Therapist (Physiotherapist) and author of The Perfect Pointe Book.  Based in Sydney Australia, Ms. Howell has developed several unique systems of training for young dancers that are taking the dance world by storm. She is a well respected practitioner, and is known in local dancing circles for her dramatic results with young dancers and professionals alike.  Lisa is passionate about the education of dancers, not only to prevent injury, but to extend the boundaries of what each dancer believes is possible.  She specialises in the assessment and treatment of dancers of all ages, from young students to professional level and teachers. 

She is dedicated to the education of dancers to help prevent injury and to develop optimal performance at every level.  She produces FREE weekly dancers’ newsletter with tips on all aspects of dance to help spread her knowledge to the world. In addition to webcasts, online tutorials and workbooks, her educational information is often found readily accessible on YouTube®. Lisa has dedicated herself to the ongoing development of educational dance resources, and she was honored with an award for“The Greatest Contribution to Dance Medicine,” at the 2007 International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) conference.

Plus she is one of the NICEST people you will ever meet! Check out her “Ballet Blog”!

Education

At AvO Ballet, it is our opinion that ballet is a means to an end for presenting students with a unique educational opportunity. Not only do we view the Art of Ballet as important unto itself, but much of its value is as a process for learning more important life lessons like discipline, hard work, creativity, and co-operation. In our operations we focus not only on the “Art of Ballet,” but the “Art of Teaching.”

Recent brain research in the 80’s and 90’s has led to an explosion of new ideas in so called “brain-based education,” founded on the most current findings of how the brain actually learns.  Time and again use of body movement and physical exercise has shown increased learning potential for understanding abstract concepts and forming long term memory. 

Classical ballet has many advantages in light of brain-based educational theories.  Movements incorporate the whole body, stimulating the vestibular system in spins and balances; proprioception in focusing on placement and body alignment.  French ballet terminology and movements defined by small differences and nuances stimulate left-brained analysis and sequencing, while improviational activities and musical accompanyment provide the audio, visual, and kinetic stimulus for right brained learners.

While hard and fast evidence that the arts directly improve test scores may be fleeting or wishful thinking, plenty of colloqual testimony abounds.  Repeatedly, students who participate in creative endeavors like classical ballet experience increased focus, confidence and positive “attitudes.”   (Pardon the ballet pun!)

Physical Training

Not only does classical ballet training provide excellent physical exercise, but a recent study has shown that physical techniques specific to classical ballet may reduce chances of injury compared to other sports activities.  In fact many sports like ice skating, gymnastics, even football have used classical ballet techniques as cross-training for their athletes.  (See links below for related posts)

Anneliese in Sports Illustrated

New Leaps in Research on Injuries

Social Interaction

Classical ballet provides plenty of opportunity for social interaction, group dynamics, co-operation and need for mutual respect.  Similar to the effect of soldiers who learn to march and move in perfect sinc, dancing as a “corp de ballet” as “one body” creates a profound feeling of community.  Ballet dancers must become effective collaborators by definition as the art of ballet in performance relies upon music, costume design, choreography, acting, and other theatrical direction for its very existance. 

Emotional well-being

At AvO Ballet we strive to provide a supportive, nurturing environment while encouraging self improvement.  We focus on use of positive reinforcement in all our classes.  While it may seem critical to give corrections, doing so in a positive, encouraging manner prevents formation of bad habits resulting in greater overall accomplishment and satisfaction.  Overall we strive to present the excitement, support, and creative expression to give an environment that connects learning new skills with positive emotions– crucial to any learning.

With so many benefits to classical ballet each person has their own reason.  What do you feel to be the most important benefit to studying classical ballet?