The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.
Prestigious international conference partners dance with sport
The finer art of dance will take on a whole new meaning following the announcement Australia will host the 17th meeting of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science - the first time ever in the southern hemisphere.
The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, made the announcement before Australian Ballet Schools’ end-of-season performance at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne tonight.
“This is a major coupe for dance in Australia,” Senator Kemp said.
“It is the first time the conference has been held in the southern hemisphere and we expect some 400 delegates from the USA, Europe, the UK, the Asia Pacific region and Australia to attend.”
The Australian Government is providing $30,000 to help The Australian Ballet School, Australian Dance Council - Ausdance, and the Australian Sports Commission to secure the prestigious event.
The conference will be held in Canberra from 24-27 October, 2007 with a post-conference day in Melbourne.
The International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) conference explores all aspects of dance medicine and science with a view to enhancing dancers’ performance, health and well-being. There is a strong focus on injury prevention, psychology, nutrition, biomechanics of dance technique and surgical intervention.
Senator Kemp said the many physical and mental challenges faced by elite dancers mirror those of elite athletes.
“Both dance and sport have always placed a great emphasis on the preparation and performance aspects of their elite performers. Holding the conference at the Australian Institute of Sport will facilitate a two-way exchange of new research and information,” Senator Kemp said.
“Recent advances by AIS sports scientists and physicians in the quest for excellence at Olympic and world championship level are applicable to Australia’s elite dancers.
“Our elite dancers and athletes elevate the spirit of our nation and are a source of great pride. Performances on the world stage by dancers like Marilyn Rowe and Steven Heathcote, and athletes like Cathy Freeman and John Eales have given all Australians a lasting legacy.”
MELBOURNE
9 December 2005
Media contacts: Michael Christo, Minister’s Office 03 9657 7274 or 0409 040 276
Simon Langford, Australian Sports Commission, 0418 605 541
Janet Karin, The Australian Ballet School, 03 9669 2748
Julie Dyson, Ausdance, 02 6248 8992