The Actors Fund is launching a new program specifically geared toward the dance community, called The Dancers’ Resource. The program will address the unique situations dancers face because of the physically demanding nature of their work coupled with the significant financial challenges of earning a living in dance.

The Dancers’ Resource will offer seminars specifically designed for dancers, serve as a “support system” and will offer groups for dancers dealing with injuries or other health concerns. The Dancers’ Resource will have an online component to link dancers’ to additional resources and to create an online community for dancers. The program will also address mental health issues including eating disorders, substance abuse, depression and other clinical areas.

The Dancers’ Resource program was founded by Actors Fund Trustee Bebe Neuwirth. “Now there is somewhere dancers can go to safely and confidentially address their unique and complicated challenges,” said Neuwirth.

The initiative grew out of Neuwirth’s personal experience as a dancer. “Last year I had hip replacement surgery,” said Neuwirth. “It came after several years of physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery, and excruciating pain. Add to that the emotional stress of not being able to dance and not wanting people to know about my condition - and I think you understand what that prison is like. After the replacement I recognized how extremely lucky I was to have a great doctor and great support from the few people with whom I shared my secret. And so I’d like to create a support system for other dancers.”

Dancers’ Resource social worker Alice Vienneau, who spent 25 years on stage as a musical theatre performer before getting her social work degree, understands the unique challenges faced by performers. “My job is to pay attention to the specific needs of dancers,” she said. “The Dancers’ Resource will focus specifically on the needs of dancers and offer a gateway into The Fund.”

The Dancers’ Resource is just one of dozens of lifesaving programs provided by The Actors Fund. From the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, AIDS services and the Health Insurance Resource Center to employment training, healthcare and housing, The Actors Fund is meeting the very real needs of the performing arts and entertainment community.

For more information about The Dancers’ Resource and other programs offered by The Fund, call 212.221.7300 or visit www.actorsfund.org .

Healing
the
Dancer

An Annual Seminar

Please join us for the second annual Healing the Dancer seminar hosted by Bebe Neuwirth, founder of The Dancers’ Resource program of The Actors Fund, and featuring David Parsons of Parsons Dance Company as key-note speaker. A panel of experts will address the unique needs of the dance community, offering information and resources for obtaining health insurance and health care, nutrition, injury prevention, financial wellness, and more.

When: Thursday, May 15th Time: 3 -7 pm

Where: The New 42nd Street Studios, 229 West 42nd Street

Contact: Alice Vienneau, 212.221.7301 ext. 261 or avienneau@actorsfund.org

Presenters:

NUTRITION AND INJURY PREVENTION

Sandra Foschi, Nutritionist and physical therapist

Daniel White, DC, Chiropractor and former dancer

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING/MENTAL HEALTH

Donna Fish, LCSW, Psychotherapist and former dancer

Bradley Jones, LCSW, Psychotherapist and former dancer

FINANCIAL WELLNESS

Amanda Clayman, LMSW, Social Worker for Financial Wellness Program at The Actors Fund

Annette Lieberman, Psychotherapist and Author of The Money Mirror.

To register, please email avienneau@actorsfund.org, or call 212.221.7300 ext. 261.

This seminar is FREE and open to professional dancers and those who serve them.

Sponsored by The Actors Fund, AGMA, Career Transition For Dancers, Dance Magazine, Dancers Responding to AIDS, Dance Theatre Workshop, The Field, The Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, New York Foundation for the Arts for the Arts, AGMA and Dancers Responding to AIDS.