UNLV will host the Southern Nevada Healthy Performers event on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24 in Alta Ham Fine Arts, Room 126. Featuring music professor Stephen Caplan and dance professor Dolly Kelepecz, along with performing arts medical experts, this event is designed for dancers, musicians, gymnasts, acrobats, coaches, and more, offering insightful workshops and presentations tailored to prevent performance injury.

"We are not, as teachers of artists, standing behind the idea of 'just do it'," said Kelepecz. "We are more sensitive to understanding the human instrument and its limitations — trying to prevent injury from happening or identifying potential problems and providing solutions.”

Highlights include:

• Pre-Pointe Readiness Assessment: Conducted by a licensed physical therapist, this evaluation determines a dancer’s readiness to begin pointe work by assessing strength, alignment, technique, and injury prevention.
• Injury Evaluation: Led by a licensed orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist, this assessment reviews your medical and injury history, training routine, and physical condition to provide guidance, resources, and referrals for recovery planning.
• Gymnastics Screening: This specialized screening identifies potential injury risks and areas for improvement to help prevent future injuries. Based on the results, targeted therapeutic exercise recommendations may be provided.
• Dance Screening: This dance-specific screening will identify potential risk for injury and target areas for improvement to reduce risk of future injuries. Following the screening, recommendations for therapeutic exercise may be given depending on the results. If you are a dancer, looking to book due to an injury, please book an injury evaluation.
• Presentations from experienced professionals who specialize in working with performers.

This event is free and geared towards the pre-professional and professional performer. Spots are limited, so register early to secure your place. Calendar invites will be sent closer to the event to register for the specific lectures, master classes, and screenings.

About the UNLV College of Fine Arts

The College of Fine Arts educates, empowers, and engages creative people to become visionary change-makers in the arts through acts of imagination. At UNLV we believe the arts are an essential good for society. We make education relevant and accessible through our programs and outreach. We create new knowledge in the arts. We celebrate independent thought and the power of bringing people together to foster creativity.