29 Jan (Mon)
In this talk, Tim Podesta will delve into the intricate landscape of fostering the well-being of dancers, focusing on both physical and mental health aspects. He will candidly discuss the challenges encountered as a student and professional dancer as well as the evolution of training approaches from student to professional dancer. The talk will explore the nuanced strategies employed to prioritize personal well-being amidst the demanding realm of classical ballet and contemporary dance, addressing misconceptions and challenges regarding mental health within the ballet and dance community. Insights will be provided into managing the rigorous training demands for young dancers and sharing effective techniques tailored to enhance their health. The unique considerations and effective solutions for addressing mental health issues within the dance community will be dissected. Moreover, Tim will emphasize the significance of nurturing environments in dance education and discuss vital resources to support dancers throughout their careers. There will be also a discussion for the long-term benefits of prioritizing dancers' well-being for individuals and the dance community, alongside empowering strategies for self-care and advocating for one's health needs within the industry.
Speaker:
Tim Podesta
International Renowned Choreographer
Moderator:
Prof. Anna CY Chan, Dean of the School of Dance, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Registration: https://forms.gle/pMdQt9rmhUUSTGsj7
About Tim Podesta
Tim Podesta's career embodies a blend of artistic finesse and an unwavering commitment to scientific exploration. Starting as a soloist fresh from the Australian Ballet School, Podesta interpreted the works of revered choreographers including Balanchine, Taylor, Cranko, Ashton, Kylian and Bournonville. However, a persistent knee injury steered Podesta toward an exploration of human movement and physiology. Simultaneously, Podesta's exposure to the global stage ignited a fervent passion for his own choreographic endeavours. This pivotal fusion propelled Podesta into the realms of clinical myotherapy and exercise science, where scientific inquiry and artistic expression harmoniously intertwined, complementing and enhancing each other.
Podesta's creative vision has graced screens and stages through esteemed companies such as The Hong Kong Ballet, Singapore Dance Theatre, The English National Ballet, The Queensland Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, The Royal Danish Ballet, and Australian Dance Theatre. His choreographic repertoire spans classical and contemporary genres, receiving acclaim across continents and captivating diverse audiences worldwide. Podesta's creative ventures expanded into diverse collaborations, notably with the international cosmetics brand Davine, contributing his imaginative vision to short film projects set in New York City. Moreover, Podesta's innovative work extended to captivating collaborations with the renowned architectural firm AKIMBO, resulting in installations that seamlessly blended dance and architectural artistry, marking a unique fusion of creativity across various artistic domains.
Podesta's influence extends beyond traditional creative agendas, making a significant impact in the realm of dance inclusivity. His inclusive initiative, the Dis/assemble Dance Project, sparked professional engagement opportunities for dancers with diverse abilities, encompassing various acquired cognitive and physical challenges, igniting substantial professional development within the dance community. Podesta's Dance For Humanity outreach orchestrated an unprecedented event, bringing principal dancers from leading companies worldwide to engage with the Ethiopian community for the first time. This initiative provided classes, workshops and performances that raised substantial funds, helping to feed hundreds and prevent the closure of an HIV clinic, signifying a pivotal moment for the global dance community's humanitarian efforts.
As an exercise scientist, Podesta is committed to formulating a research agenda centred on dance-specific periodisation. In pursuit of this initiative, he carefully selected a boy and a girl, aged 10 and from Regional Australia, providing them with comprehensive training encompassing classical and contemporary techniques, exercise prescription, and performance. Podesta tracked their progress over a four-year period using specific performance testing. Strategically scheduling an undulating periodisation format, he directed training as necessary, managing aspects such as volume, intensity, and rest. Podesta's dedicated approach resulted in both students successfully gaining acceptance into the prestigious Royal Ballet Upper School after four years of training. Podesta's work extends to dancers of all levels, including athletes from diverse sports, even at Olympic levels. His primary goal is to refine training methodologies, emphasizing performance optimisation and reducing injury risks.
Podesta's dedication to both artistic expression and scientific inquiry has notably influenced curriculums and training methodologies worldwide. His multifaceted roles as an educator, international ballet competition judge, and motivational speaker underscore his unwavering commitment to shaping the arts and promoting holistic well-being. Podesta's engagements in 2024 span across Australasia, Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom, showcasing his unrelenting dedication to excellence in both artistic and scientific domains.
Photo
Photo