The Magic of Muscles

Harkness Center for Dance Injuries proudly offers in-person and virtual Harkness Center Saturday Series workshops for the dance community.

Our educational theme for 2026 is BODIES—A deep dive into our anatomy.

Throughout the year, our community programming will focus on functional anatomy through a biopsychosocial lens specific to anyone who identifies as a dancer.

JUNE 2026 WORKSHOP

Topic: The Magic of Muscles

When: Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT

Format: VIRTUAL - this event is on ZOOM only

Description: This virtual workshop will uncover the hidden power behind muscle structure and function, as well as how it evolves throughout the lifespan. We will explore skeletal muscle anatomy, the supporting role of fascia, and the connection to overall well-being and performance. Participants will discover how to transform this knowledge into practical habits for training, nutritional support, and recovery.

Instructors:

Ella Otto, MS, LAT, ATC received a bachelor’s degree in movement science and a master’s degree in athletic training from Winona State University, where she also earned a minor in dance. An athletic training student intern with The Harkness Center for Dance Injuries in 2022, she has experience as a choreographer, dancer, and strength and conditioning coach for sports teams. She holds certifications in Graston Technique and personal training and as a corrective exercise specialist.

Specializing in dancer health, injury prevention, and strength and conditioning for performing artists, Glenn De Kler, MS, LAT, ATC is dedicated to helping performers sustain long, healthy careers through evidence-based training, rehabilitation, and education in dance science and performance wellness. Glenn has served as a Resident Athletic Trainer on Sleep No More and multiple Broadway shows in New York City and has toured internationally with Riverdance and other major theatrical productions.

UPCOMING SATURDAY SERIES WORKSHOPS

Virtual workshops are marked with (v) and run 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET. All other workshops are in-person and run 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM ET. Registration for each event, once open, can be found at https://linktr.ee/harknesscenterfordanceinjuries.

June 27: The Magic of Muscles with Ella Otto, MS, LAT, ATC

July 25: Hip Anatomy and Function with Lauren McIntyre, LAT, ATC

August 22: Cardiovascular System with Patti Cavaleri, PT, DPT

September 19: Pelvic Floor Anatomy for Dancers with Zoe Tawa, PT, DPT

October 24: Menstruation to Menopause Ella Otto, MS, LAT, ATC & Rebecca Kesting, PT, DPT

November 21: Joints for Longevity Glenn De Kler, MS, LAT, ATC

December 12: Balance Across our Lives: Vestibular System (Instructor TBC)

Saturday Series workshops are led by our clinical staff and feature various topics on dancer wellness and injury prevention. All members of the dance community are welcome. Please note whether format is in-person or virtual.

• We strongly encourage participants under 16 years of age to attend with a parent/guardian.
• Liability waiver: for workshops that include movement, participants will be required to sign a liability waiver.
• Refund policy: we cannot provide refunds after the event has taken place.
• Virtual workshops: unless noted, recordings of virtual workshops are not provided, so please plan to attend in real time.
• Questions: Contact Kristen Stevens, program manager, [email protected]

About the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries: NYU Langone's Harkness Center for Dance Injuries (www.DanceInjury.org) is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of dance professionals through clinical services, education programming, and research. Founded in 1989 through a partnership between the Harkness Foundation for Dance and the Hospital for Joint Diseases (now NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital), the Harkness Center provides care for dancers of all ages, genres, and levels as well as for musicians, actors, figure skaters, aerialists, and more.

In addition to caring for injuries, an integral part of the Harkness Center’s mission is providing education. For the dance community, Harkness offers injury prevention workshops, online courses, and screenings, including its long-running, free Injury Prevention Assessment (IPA) program. For dance medicine professionals, Harkness offers live and online continuing education courses. DanceMedU, the Harkness Center's digital learning platform (www.DanceMedU.org), offers over 20 lectures on dance medicine and dancer health for the dance and healthcare communitities.

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