Dance is a high-risk business. Injury can end a career. As in sport, damage can be done through accidents or excessive demands on the body. Long hours of work, inappropriate eating habits and inadequate working conditions can also undermine dancers’ health. Yet no comprehensive health and injury service for dancers exists.

This report is the most thorough study of dancers’ lifestyles, risks and achievements yet undertaken. In it dance experts, sports scientists and medical specialists combine forces to make an impassioned plea for better support for dancers’ healthcare.

‘… an invaluable source of reference – the book should be in the possession of every teacher and dancer …’ Dancing Times

Dr Peter Brinson was awarded honorary degrees by three universities for his work in the study of dance and in making dance accessible. In 1964 he founded the Royal Ballet’s Ballet for All company to present classical ballet of high quality on stages and in places larger companies could not reach. In 1972 he was appointed Director of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK) and gave major assistance for the next 11 years to British dance, dance education and community arts. ‘For achievements in dance’ he received a London Dance and Performance Special Award in 1989 and the prestigious Digital Premier Award in 1992.

Fiona Dick worked for 10 years as co-Director of Dance Umbrella, the dance festival promoter and artist management service. Since turning freelance in 1990 she has undertaken a number of projects for national arts funding bodies and dance organisations and was Coordinator of Dance UK’s Healthier Dancer Programme.