Due to the physical demands made on the dancer's bodies, injuries are inevitable. Not only can muscles suffer from 'overuse syndrome' but accidental damage can happen at any time in such a physical occupation. Similar risks are present in singing. At Cambridge Performing Arts, we aim to prepare our students to cope with injuries in a mature and conscientious way, to understand the mechanics of the body and to take responsibility for their immediate and long-term recovery.
Fitness, Health and Safety is studied in the first year of training to ensure that student have a thorough understanding of the body and the knowledge required to prevent injury and aid recovery when it does happen. The Pilates body conditioning method is practised throughout their training, and more intensively in the first year, to assist the establishment of the correct posture, often the root cause of many overdue injuries.
Most injuries will require some form of professional treatment, such as physiotherapy, osteopathy or massage. We are able to refer our students to reputable practitioners in the area. This costs money however, so we strongly advise students to acquire comprehensive health insurance that will cover the costs of these treatments.
When students injure themselves, either on the premises or elsewhere, they must:
A summary of the injury officer's findings and recommendations will be distributed to staff via the class registers weekly. Staff are welcome discuss a student further with the injury officer or their personal tutor at any time. Personal tutors will be responsible for long-term monitoring of injuries and may refer students back to the injury officer if they feel it is necessary.