Dance science

Dance science is the scientific study of dance and dancers, as well as the practical application of scientific principles to dance. Its aims are the enhancement of performance, the reduction of injury, and the improvement of well-being and health.

The field of Dance Medicine and Science dates back to the 1970s and 80s, growing out of the field of Sports Medicine. In the early '80's, the American Dance Festival (ADF) started including Dance Medicine courses in their course work for dancers. When ADF moved to Duke University, physicians from Duke University Hospital became interested in dancers. Then, in 1990, IADMS (International Association for Dance Medicine and Science) was formed by an international group of dance medicine practitioners, dance educators, dance scientists, and dancers. Membership began at 48 members in 1991, and has grown to over 900 members in 35 countries today.

Dance science as an academic discipline that has been evolving over the past 20 years. In the UK, three degrees (at master's level) now exist: one at the University of Bedfordshire, one at the University of Wolverhampton, and one at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. With regards to dance science research, another UK institution which has staff and students active in the area is the University of Birmingham. Some undergraduate degrees in dance, or other dance courses, also include one or several modules in dance science, with the aim of promoting healthy dance practices. These include the University of Wolverhampton, the Royal Academy of Dance, and Bird College.

Several universities in the US also offer dance science courses as part of their dance curriculum, accommodating both undergraduate and graduate level students. These include, but are not limited to: Cornish College of the Arts, Columbia College of Chicago, California State - Long Beach, Florida State University, Goucher College, Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus, Ohio State University, Ohio University, UCLA - Irvine, University of Colorado, University of Illinois - Urbana Champagne, ad the University of Oregon.

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