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HELP4DANCERS, which can be downloaded now from both the Apple and Google play stores, provides dancers with access to a professional programme of daily sessions including: weekly check in health questionnaires and advice from dance-related psychotherapists and counsellors on many aspects of mental health; exercise and meditation videos; injury prevention and maintenance with leading physiotherapists.
“I would recommend it to any dance professional as a valuable tool for regaining any emotional and physical strength which may have been lost during the pandemic” Rosalyn Walsh, Professional Dancer
Other features are strength and conditioning sessions and Pilates with professional coaches, advice on career development and nutrition and regular guest speakers including UK and international dance professionals.
HELP4DANCERS has been created by psychotherapist Terry Hyde MA MBACP founder of Counselling for Dancers. Terry started ballet classes at the age of 6, was awarded a 5-year scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dance in London and attended The Royal Ballet Senior School. He later joined The Royal Ballet followed by a move to London’s Festival Ballet (English National Ballet) as a soloist. After 5 years, he moved to musical theatre, performing in London’s West End, Film and TV.
Terry Hyde said “During the pandemic dancers have been missing in-person training and performing and sadly, as a result, I have seen an increase in clients seeking my help. Because of my own experiences as a performer, I can bring a genuine understanding of the unique demands that are placed on dancers, from body image and bullying to audition anxiety.”
Terry, who has been running free online wellbeing sessions for those in the performing arts throughout the pandemic, has been working on the App for the last 6 months on its design and comprehensive, professional content as well as trialling it out to a team of dancers. He feels the App will help dancers to continue their career, keep mentally and physically fit and prepare them for live performances and in-person classes.
Terry continued: “On this free App, users will be able to join a six-week programme which tracks their progress and in turn helps them to recognise what they can do to help improve their emotional and physical strength. And, as it’s mobile, we can reach dancers across the globe providing free access to expert help whenever they need it.”
HELP4DANCERS participants can join pre-recorded sessions with a host of professional dancers and practitioners including Director and Choreographer Brendon Hansford who has shared his skills with the likes of Sam Smith, Rod Stewart and David Guetta; Isabella Gasparini, Soloist with The Royal Ballet; Tomorr Kokona, Coach and Mentor and former international arts professional; Ballet Physio Luke Abnett who spent 6 years treating students at The Royal Ballet School, Mikko Nissenen, Artistic Director of The Boston Ballet Company and School and Professional Irish Dancer and Pilates Teacher Joe Duffey (Riverdance/Lord of the Dance/Broadway).
If successful the team behind the App hopes to expand its offer with the introduction of seminars, workshops and conferences.
HELP4DANCERS, for professional and student dancers as well as parents and teachers, is available for all dance styles including Ballet, Irish Dance, Tap, Hip Hop, Ballroom and South Asian Dance.
The HELP4DANCERS APP can be downloaded now from both the Apple and Google play stores.
Featured image: Raman Parwana, dancer credit: Barney Finch