Dance Program

Fortius Dance Assessment

At Fortius Therapy Services we offer a specific Assessment just for Dancers, created by Nicole Ainsworth and Charlotte Van Audenrode. Nicole grew up competitively dancing and is a Certified Athletic Therapist. Charlotte is a Physiotherapist and a Certified Athletic Therapist; she works at the Edge school where she treats the dancers in their dance program. Charlotte also works with the Young Canadians as a therapist for their Grandstand Show. They have brought together their extensive knowledge and created a program based on research, functional assessment expertise, and over 30 years of experience. 

Our Dance Assessment is a 60-minute one-on-one, in-depth appointment with a therapist where we take a whole-body approach and look at more than just the area of pain. We take the time to understand the underlying cause and the overall functionality of the dancer. We utilize normal clinical assessment tools as well as dance specific testing to provide a comprehensive and detailed evaluation. This includes a rehab and functional mobility home program to address any imbalances, optimize your recovery, as well as to help you achieve your goals. The assessment can address chronic on-going issues, new injuries, or to assist you in improving your overall strength and performance.   

Pre-Pointe Screening

Our Pre-pointe screening program is a research-based assessment that looks at all the key factors that indicate readiness to progress to on pointe safely and without injury. This is a 30 minute one on one appointment with a therapist and includes a home exercise program for the dancer to help them prepare and decrease the risk of injury. We will also provide you with a letter for your teacher or studio letting them know our findings and your plan for success. We are happy to provide additional information or consultation with your ballet teacher as needed to assist in your success. 

There is no standard for when a dancer is ready to go on pointe, there are several different factors, and these will vary in importance between individuals. Factors that are key to consider are dance experience, maturity, joint range of motion, balance and core, technique, mobility, and control. An assessment by an experienced professional, in addition to your dance teacher’s recommendation, will provide you with the best outcome in your transition to dancing on pointe. 

 Online & In Class Group Sessions

Our therapists are also able to come directly to your studio, or visit virtually, and lead a group of students through an information or exercise session. These sessions would provide the dancers with information about relevant anatomy, research based prevention and rehabilitation programs, how to improve their dancing skills through exercise, or keep them healthy and injury free. 

Some topics our therapists can introduce 

• Neuromuscular Injury Prevention Program (Dance 11+)
  • Shown to reduce injuries in dancers by a significant percentage
• Shoulder and Thoracic Spine Mobility 
  • Improve posture and arm positioning 
• Hip Mobility and Opening Programs
• Safe Return to Dance post COVID restrictions 
• Any other musculoskeletal, postural, neuroproprioceptive topics of interest