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Bridging Health and Performance: Inside the Winston-Salem Dance Medicine Conference 2026

Written by Brooke Kochanski | Jun 24, 2026 12:45:00 PM

Dance is widely recognized as an art form—expressive, imaginative, and inspiring. Yet beneath each movement lies a sophisticated blend of physical strength, biomechanics, mental resilience, and overall health. This intersection is where dance medicine plays a vital role.

On September 18, 2026, the Winston-Salem Dance Medicine Conference (WiSDM 2026) will unite healthcare professionals, dancers, and educators for a multidisciplinary learning experience at the Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education.

Why Dance Medicine Matters

Dancers are athletes with unique training demands and injury risks. From ballet to cirque-style and Irish dance, each genre places distinct stresses on the body. Understanding these differences is essential for clinicians and educators working with performers.

Learn from Leading Experts in Dance Medicine

WiSDM 2026 features an impressive lineup of speakers across medicine, rehabilitation, nutrition, mental health, and the performing arts, including:

  • Allison Agresti, MS LPC LCAS
  • Mia de Jong
  • Kathy de Jong
  • Sarah Kate Fischer, DPT
  • Alex Gonzaga, NASM-CPT
  • Elinor Harrison, PhD
  • Courtney Hinton, DO MBA
  • Alexandria Howard, DPT
  • Alexandria Howard, DPT
  • Melody Hrubes, MD, FACSM
  • Susan Jaffe
  • Stefan Kluzek
  • Angela Koonin, PT, LAT, ATC
  • David Popoli, MD
  • Monika Saigal, MS, RD, CEDS-C, CDN
  • Emily Scherb, DPT
  • Bria Stark, OTD, PCES, CSOT
  • Allston Stubbs, MD
  • Matt Wittstein

 

What You’ll Gain

Participants will learn about dance biomechanics, injury prevention, nutrition strategies, psychological coaching, and emerging technology for performance and recovery.

Earn Valuable Continuing Education Credits

Participants can earn up to 7.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™, 7.25 Contact (category A) CE for NC Psychologists Hours, 7.25 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC, 7.25 NBCC Hours, 7.25 BOC CEUs for Athletic Trainers Hours and 6.5 NCBPTE Contact Hours.

Join the Movement

Whether you are a healthcare provider, dance educator, or performer, WiSDM 2026 offers an opportunity to gain knowledge, earn credits, and connect with a multidisciplinary community dedicated to dancer health.