Launch of NIDMS April 2012

"On 30 April 2012 over 200 dance professionals joined dance medicine and science leaders at the Royal Society of Medicine to celebrate the opening of the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science. NIDMS aims through shared expertise and a network of multidisciplinary hub-sites and partners, to provide access for all dancers to high quality, evidence-based, dance specific healthcare and dance science services. It will:

- offer fast, affordable, specialist treatment for dancers, including the first NHS based dance injury clinic accessible FREE via GP referral
- be a focus for cutting edge research into dancers' health, injury and performance, co-ordinating research nationally which will lead to more effective injury prevention
- provide education for dancers, teachers, scientists, healthcare and medical practitioners

This initiative is the result of a partnership between  Dance UK, Birmingham Royal Ballet's Jerwood Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Dance Injuries, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, University of Wolverhampton, University of Birmingham and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. The creation of NIDMS has been made possible by major donations by the Jerwood Charitable Foundation and British Harlequin plc, and many donations from individual dance supporters." (Harlequin Floors and NIDMS website)

This video provides insight into the work of NIDMS and their vision to provide high quality dance specific healthcare.  There are many high profile figures commenting on the vision and promoting the importance of free NHS healthcare for dancers. Wayne Sleep describes injury as "career threatening" and mentions the need for "counselling" and aftercare for injured dancers. Kate Prince, Artistic Director also supports this, NIDMS work helps "treat dancers quickly, efficiently, it's on the NHS so it's free and psychological aftercare of injury" she describes how "once injured you don't trust your body anymore and are full of fear and panic". Principle Dance and Artistic Director Designate Tamara Rojo confirms "we must fight for it because we need it... Our art form relies on it for our future".

The numerous viewpoints from leading professionals in the industry helps legitimise what NIDMS is communicating through their video and supports the collaborative research and practice.

It is extremely beneficial to my inquiry to hear from leading professionals their views on injury and healthcare for dancers. The video also provides insight into what is currently being done to help support injured dancers and the organisations which have come together to support the cause.