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Take a sneak peak of this movement analysis highlighting the demands placed on the shoulder from pole dancing.
Learning Objectives
- ENTER
Get to know Pole Dancers
Look beyond the stereotypes and learn about the various forms of pole dancing, the artistic styles and the demands on the body.
Common Injuries
Learn how to assess, treat and manage the most commonly injured areas - shoulder, hamstring and thoracic injuries.
Returning to the Pole
Learn how to make rehab specific to the demands of the sport and how to use the pole as an exercise and rehab tool.
Dr Joanna Nicholas
PhD | BSc(Hons)
Joanna is a passionate dance and exercise scientist. Joanna completed her PhD at the University of Western Australia in 2019, her doctoral research sets an empirical foundation for pole dancing as a recreational activity and sport, and spans the areas of psychology, physiology, and injury prevention.
Joanna lectures and conducts research in dance and performance science. She is a member of several research groups including: 1) Surveillance of Injuries for Research in Circus (SIRC); 2) Dance Research Collaborative (DaRC); and 3) Simulation and Immersive Digital Technology Group at Edith Cowan University.
Joanna has spent over 20 years in the fitness industry including 6 years as the regional head lecturer for the Australian Institute of Fitness (WA). With over 25 years of dance training and conditioning experience, she also fills her passion for teaching as a pole dancing teacher, fitness trainer, and strength and conditioning coach.
Ashleigh Flanagan
BPhysio
Ashleigh is an experienced physiotherapist with a special interest in chronic pain, flexibility training, and working with aerial performers and pole dancers. She’s also a traditionally trained Pilates instructor, sports trainer, and qualified Pole Dance instructor.
Ashleigh graduated with a bachelor of physiotherapy from University of Notre Dame in 2009. She went on to study neurology and rehabilitation through the University of Western Australia. She has a background in acute care management, predominantly in neurology, rehabilitation and orthopaedics. She’s provided physiotherapy services at the Australian Pole Championships WA, the Australian Circus Championships (2016), and the Felix Cane Amateur Pole Championships (2016).
