Round Table: Dance Medical Network

Lars Fuit has had his own practice in Rijswijk (South Holland) for over 30 years. He initiated a post-bachelor program in pediatric podiatry and also teaches in it. Lars is also the first sports podiatrist in the Netherlands and treats many (elite) athletes and dancers, including those from the Royal Conservatoire. Additionally, he gives lectures nationally and internationally. 

Sports podiatrists specialized in dance often only see (young) dancers after an injury has occurred. Fortunately, due to the growing awareness of this specialization, there is a trend toward earlier referrals. Increasingly, (ballet) dancers visit the dance podiatrist when risk factors are identified or when an injury is in its early stages. 

Due to the unique movement patterns, the limited shoe options, and the lack of described therapies, a great deal is demanded from the practitioner’s inventiveness. The dance podiatrist often works together with the dancer using the creative self-care capabilities for the dancer’s individual feet. 

Ballet and its associated injuries are the most documented in literature. During the roundtable, however, an injury from a much less documented dance style will be addressed: breakdance. Specific research, treatment, and evaluation will be discussed, along with links to interventions in other dance forms. 

 (Sports) Physiotherapist. Also a former dancer/teacher 

• Specialty: Dance injuries

• Practicing in Klimmen/Voerendaal, in the south of the country 

Presentation focus: 

From my experience as a dancer and my profession as a practitioner, I see the importance of a practical and functional approach to dance injuries. Not only for professionals but also for young talents working toward a future career on a local level or passionately excelling in the amateur field. 

Scientific research on treatment methods is abundant. Guidelines for technique are described in various dance traditions, particularly Classical Ballet. But what if these are missing or provide less guidance for a dancer? Styles like Contemporary and Urban are good examples. The demands of a teacher or choreographer and the dancer's physical capabilities determine the risks. 

What role do practitioners have? Do they only appear in the case of injuries, or is there already a preventive role in the dance studio...? 

Sports physician and enthusiastic amateur dancer 

"I have always been interested in medical care for dancers. In my daily practice, I see a diverse group of athletes and non-athletes, but also many amateur and professional dancers. I am also involved as a sports physician in the medical support of the Dutch National Ballet." 

Foot and ankle complaints are common among dancers. In this presentation, I will discuss the role of the sports physician in foot or ankle injuries, how a sports physician assesses the problem, the additional diagnostics, and the treatment. 

Sports, performance, and rehabilitation psychologist, lecturer, and researcher. 

She holds a bachelor's degree in Human Movement Sciences and a master's in Sports and Performance Psychology. She is accredited as a SPORTPSYCHOLOOG VSPN® and conducted her PhD research at Codarts Rotterdam, University of the Arts, focusing on the mental and physical health of dancers. She currently works as a lecturer-researcher at the University and University of Applied Sciences of Amsterdam and in her private psychology practice PAM Performance. She regularly gives (guest) lectures and workshops on healthy and optimal performance in the dance and sports world, including for the European Dance Medicine Initiative. 

In her work, she combines her enthusiasm, drive for development, and holistic view on performance and rehabilitation to help each individual reach their optimal performance level with joy and confidence.

While dance medicine often focuses on physical treatment and prevention of physical complaints, every dancer knows that physical and mental health are inextricably linked. What can you do from a mental perspective for yourself and your environment to perform optimally and healthily? Specific mental skills from sports and performance psychology are highly trainable, but are still too rarely integrated into dance training. I would like to share some practical tools to get started with. 

In his role as a certified therapist with over 20 years of experience in dance, he founded the dance medical care network and manages this network that connects healthcare providers and hospitals in the Netherlands. 

He is the initiator and one of the co-founders, together with Tom Brandon and Matthew Wyon, of the EDMI / European Dance Medical Initiative, which provides knowledge for (para)medical care in the dance world. He has also participated as a speaker and contributor at international dance conferences (IAMDS / Tamed / NIDMS) worldwide and is the initiator of the NDD 2023 / 2024 / 2025 Dance Medical Care Round Table. 

"Connecting. Connecting medical specialists with the dance world. There is still much to be gained here. And that is why I established the Dance Medical Care Network in the Netherlands." 

Staff member at the Dance Safe Alliance Bureau 

"My name is Rianne Peterson, I am 30 years old and work for the Dance Safe Alliance, nice to meet you! 

I started dancing at the age of 8 and since then have been able to turn my passion into my profession. With the experiences I have gained in amateur dance schools, dance competitions, preparatory and professional dance training programs, and the musical theatre field, I am committed at Dans Veilig to creating a socially safe dance sector for the next generations." 

Freelance dancer and corporate law attorney. 

He danced with, among others, Introdans, Krisztina de Châtel, David Middendorp / Another Kind of Blue, and Opera Zuid. During his dance career, he retrained as a corporate law attorney. 

In addition to his performance work, Gijs holds various ancillary positions in the cultural sector. He is a member of the SoCu and Reparations Committee of the NORMA Foundation and represents the interests of performing artists as a members' council member at the Kunstenbond. In his previous role as chair of the Theatre and Dance Department, he developed the Fair Practice Employer Award, which was presented in 2024 during the Diner d'Honneur of the Dutch Dance Days. 

He is also moderator and co-organizer of the roundtable discussion on dance medical care. This is the third edition he will be moderating ('23, '24, '25).