Our in-person gathering focused on the core principles of dance medicine, sparking enlightening conversations about the crucial role of biomechanics and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care. The event took place on November 3rd, 2023 at the Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education in Winston-Salem, NC, attracting a diverse audience of 90 attendees from across North Carolina and 18 other states.

The Winston-Salem Dance Medicine Conference (WiSDM) is a multi-disciplinary educational opportunity for physicians, allied health professionals, dancers, dance instructors, and students to review (or learn anew) the fundamentals of dance medicine, including unique biomechanics, genre-specific considerations, and social/psychological demands that may influence performance and injury risk. Leading research is discussed in various dance genres and incorporation of recommendations for injury treatment and prevention is reviewed.

The conference included demonstrations from Breakdancing, Ballroom, and Contemporary genres of dance.  We were thrilled to welcome Ashley Bouder as our distinguished Keynote Speaker. With her extensive experience as a principal dancer at the New York City Ballet since 2005, Ashley brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to the conference. Additionally, as the founder and artistic director of the Ashley Bouder Project, an arts collaborative dedicated to promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in the dance world, her presence added a valuable perspective on the importance of creative leadership roles.

Check out some photos from the event:

View full album of photos here