Dance & Performing Arts

Dance is an incredible art in its unique way that one can use their instrument--the body--as an expression of self.  This page is dedicated to writings, observations, videos and instruction based on my 20+ years working with the dance population.

Here are some helpful resources for dancers:

 
 

TEstimonial

Michael worked with my dance company (Lawrence Pech Dance Company) for a number of years and was instrumental in not only keeping me and my dancers in top performing shape, but attended every performance and would make emergency calls if needed during the rehearsal process.
 

His knowledge and understanding of the human body is immense. More over, his ability to explain in simple-complex terms let us know that a) he knows what he’s talking about, b) cares, and c) allowed us to feel confident in future selfcare moving forward. As well, his demeanor and patience was healing in itself. When he announced his departure from the Bay Area, my company was not alone in feeling his absence.

-Larry Pech

san francisco

 
 
Caroline Gill, The Boston Ballet School

Caroline Gill, The Boston Ballet School

Reference centers for ballet

Dancers need feedback to their bodies in order to be in the right position for their art, otherwise things start to break down. While using a barre is helpful, they still need to know how to move in space and with gravity. There are a number of places this dancer is receiving feedback in order to perform grande plies with control and in the right position (i.e. ground, band in hand, heel to heel, knee to knee) while in 1st position of the arms and legs . Cueing on air exchange while performing, with controlled exhalation while lowering and raising seals the deal!

Dancers need feedback to their bodies in order to be in the right position for their art, otherwise things start to break down. While using a barre is helpful, they still need to know how to move in space and with gravity.

Training and cues to reduce lordosis with a basic ballet movement (tendus)

When dancers are performing activities during warm-up at barre, they many times have developed habits which are not optimal and can be hard to break. They can have a significant influence with how higher level movements can occur with activity and performance. This video walks a high level dancer through some of the corrective sequences.

When dancers are performing activities during warm-up at barre, they many times have developed habits which are not optimal and can be hard to break. They can have a significant influence with how higher level movements can occur with activity and performance. This video walks a high level dancer through some of the corrective sequences.

Michael performs comprehensive assessments of dancers who are looking for ways to manage any injuries they may have, preventative interventions, biomechanical evaluation of movement and positions, pointe screenings, as well as lectures for dance companies and professional organizations.  He has presented at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science on "Developing Optimal Muscle Control to Establish Symmetry in the Dancer" as well as the Performing Arts Medicine Association on "Respiratory Training for Positional Control, Performance & Recovery".  He works with Portland Ballet Company, The Ballet School as well as other dance schools in the Greater Portland area.

To schedule with Michael or for more information, contact him.