Module I
Introductory Concepts in Dance Medicine
Online Interactive Course with Andrea Zujko and Guest Speakers
September 19-20, 2026
Module I establishes the foundation of the Dance Medicine Education Initiative (DMEI) curriculum. This course introduces the DMEI framework for evaluating dancers and supporting common dance-related presentations in a way that is practical, clinically relevant, and immediately applicable. While the movement language and examples in Module I are primarily grounded in classical ballet—basic positions, elementary movements, foundational technique analysis, and pointe shoe assessment—the clinical reasoning principles and observational skills taught throughout the weekend translate well to other dance forms.
The material is presented in a clear, systems-based format intended to support confident clinical reasoning and interdisciplinary communication. Module I is designed for healthcare and adjunct practitioners currently engaged in, or seeking to enter, the field of dance medicine, including physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, massage therapists, dance teachers and educators, Pilates and Gyrotonic instructors, athletic trainers, and physicians.
Module I is strongly recommended for practitioners who are new to working with dancers, as well as for those who are not licensed medical professionals, to ensure a comprehensive foundation before progressing to advanced or region-specific Modules.
Course Objectives
Course Objectives
Upon completion of Module I, participants will be able to:
Describe the DMEI framework for dance medicine evaluation and clinical decision-making, including key components of dancer history, observation, and movement analysis.
Identify physiologic considerations relevant to the adolescent dancer and integrate these considerations into evaluation priorities and initial plan-of-care decisions.
Recognize psychological and social factors that influence adolescent dancer health and performance and apply appropriate communication strategies and referral considerations within an interdisciplinary care model.
Define foundational ballet terminology, including basic positions and elementary movements, and describe expected alignment and coordination strategies.
Apply a structured technique analysis framework to assess movement control during foundational ballet movements and interpret common postural and movement pattern findings.
Select and justify foundational retraining strategies and cueing principles addressing:
turnout
plié/relevé
weight transfer from double-leg to single-leg
Identify the key structural components of soft ballet shoes and pointe shoes and apply this information to evaluate fit and recommend basic modifications based on dancer presentation and needs.
Pre-course Materials:
Each participant will receive 3 recordings to watch prior to meeting online. Topics will include:
Management of the Dysfunctional Muscle-Tendon Unit
Management of Capsular & Ligamentous Laxity
The Nervous System and Movement Control: Clinical Strategies for Dancers
Guest Speakers:
Andrea Zujko PT,DPT,OCS,COMT Founder of Dance Medicine Education Initiative
Mary Carpenter Master pointe shoe fitter, Ballet teacher, certified Pilates and PBT instructor (Dancewithmarynyc)
Siobhan Mitchell PhD, MRes, MSc (The Adolescent Dancer & GuiDance Network)
Registration
Dates: September 19-20, 2026
Format: Online/Interactive
Pricing and Discounts:
Registrations made before August 21, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time are $590.00 with code EARLYMOD1
Registrations made after August 8, 2025 are $640.00.
If you have completed Module I within the past five years and would like to retake the course, you are eligible for a 50% discount. To receive your discount code, please email admin@dancemedei.com with a copy of your Module I certificate of completion attached.
A student discount of 50% off the regular price is available for current students enrolled in an accredited graduate PT program or who have graduated within 16 months of the course dates. Please send an email to admin@dancemedei.com to receive a special discount code.
