DANCE SPECIALISTS
Dr. Julia Louisa Iafrate, DO, CAQSM, FAAPMR is a physician who specializes in Sports & Dance Medicine at NYU Langone Health in New York City. A Canadian citizen, she completed her undergraduate training at McMaster University, graduating with an honors bachelor of science degree in Kinesiology. She later moved to the United States of America to pursue a career in medicine. She received her medical degree from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. She subsequently completed her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic, followed by a Sports Medicine
Fellowship at the University of Iowa. Her primary clinical interests include all types of musculoskeletal injuries, college and professional-level sports coverage, dance medicine, diagnostic and interventional ultrasound-guided procedures, global health and nutrition, and resident teaching. Dr. Iafrate has appeared on various media outlets discussing healthcare in the USA, is a peer reviewer for multiple performing arts journals, and frequently lectures on dance medicine and musculoskeletal ultrasound nationally and internationally. She works with multiple dance schools in New York City, was medical consultant for Jagged Little Pill during its' broadway run, and is one of the rotating team physicians for the US Ski Team. In her spare time she enjoys traveling the world, dancing, rock climbing, and alpine skiing.
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Dr. Iafrate is an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at NYU and sees patients in three locations in Manhattan. Dr. Iafrate is a New York Magazine SuperDoctors Rising Star in Sports Medicine (2019, 2020, 2021, & 2022).
Dr. Julia Iafrate, DO, CAQSM, FAAPMR
Dr. Chelsea Pierotti, Ph. D.
Chelsea was trained as a studio dancer in the Denver area, and spent summers training with professional ballet companies, finishing her performance career as a professional ballet dancer in Colorado. Chelsea was also a successful high school dance coach for over a decade. She won multiple State Championship titles and was recognized as Colorado’s Dance Coach of the Year and twice as the National Dance Coaches Association’s Associate of the Year. Outside of coaching, Chelsea also has a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology and is a Teaching Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Chelsea currently runs a company providing online and in-person educational resources for dancers and dance educators including digital courses, memberships, and workshops to help you learn and thrive. She specializes in education for dance teachers and coaches in many areas of mental skills including confidence, resilience, motivation, mindset, and leadership. Visit her website and check out her podcast, a Passion for Dance at https://chelseapierotti.com.
Dr. Chelsea Pierotti is a sport psychologist and consultant for dancers and dance educators. As a speaker, workshop teacher, and podcast host, Dr. Chelsea helps industry leaders harness the unique tools of sport psychology to increase their positive impac
Jenna Loewer, DPT is a Physical Therapist in Northern Virginia and the owner of On Pointe Wellness and Rehab PLLC. As a former dancer, she developed a love of movement early on. In 2011, she graduated from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. After graduation, she gained experience working with The Rochester City Ballet, Garth Fagan Dance Company and Eastman School of Music. In 2013, she relocated to Northern Virginia where she quickly realized her unique experience with Dance Medicine was able to fulfill a need in the area. In 2016, she founded On Pointe Wellness and Rehab with the goal to provide personalized Physical Therapy services to dancers.
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Jenna has a passion for educating and empowering dancers to be in control of their own health and wellness. To share this passion with others, she regularly teaches wellness workshops at various dance studios throughout Northern Virginia. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member with the George Mason University Dance and Athletic Training departments. She is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Orthopedic Section of the APTA, Performing Arts Special Interest Group, and the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science.
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Jenna has a special interest in helping dancers heal from hip impingement through movement re-education and developing strength and conditioning programs. Her mission is to provide each dancer with the specialized and personal attention they deserve, so they are able to continue doing what they love for years to come!
Dr. Jenna Loewer, DPT
Aaron Ngor, MS, ATC, CSCS
Aaron Ngor is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Specialist with years of clinical experience working with performing artists. He has worked with a variety of performers in companies and institutions, including Disneyland Resort, Ohio University College of Fine Arts, The Ohio University Marching 110 and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Aaron is passionate about sharing his expertise in sports medicine and functional anatomy to inspire the next generation of artist athletes.
He encourages his students to take a proactive role towards their health and learn high performance habits to maximize their potential for success. Aaron is professionally involved with the National Athletic Trainers' Association, National Strength and Conditioning Association, International Association of Dance Medicine and Science and the Performing Arts Medicine Association.
Galit Friedlander's passion for fitness comes from 17+ years of experience in the dance world, where she quickly discovered the need for injury prevention and dance-specific cross-training. Galit believes that personal training/conditioning for dancers can be best used to optimize endurance and movement quality for class, auditions, and performances.
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With an ACE-Certification, specialization in fitness nutrition, and qualifications in TRX straps training and functional training, Galit makes sure to consistently update her body of knowledge and education to best serve her clients. Whether it is a single session to work on a specific focus, or a longer-term fitness plan, training sessions are tailored to your needs and made to be as fun as possible.
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Some of the programs/studios where Galit has taught include Movement Lifestyle, TMilly, and Broadway Dance Center.
Skype sessions, shared sessions, and group training sessions are also available upon request. Galit also has two on-demand workout programs that include workout videos to be completed at your convenience!
Galit Friedlander, CPT
My strength, conditioning, and fitness background stems from an original passion in dance. I have practiced different facets of dance for 11 years and found my way into the fitness industry by trying to discover new ways to improve stage presence and performance ability.
From there I worked in multiple physical therapy clinics to discover the rehabilitation side of performance. Eventually, I put all of my knowledge together to become the strength and conditioning coach I am today and have been practicing since 2015.
Certifications & Education:
B.S. Kinesiology & Exercise Science (Physiology Minor) / CSCS / DBC L1 / FMS L1 / Kettlebell Athletics / Triggerpoint Therapy / ViPR / Pn1 / Progressive Bodyweight Training / KBCU L1 / DSPCC / FRCms / FRA
Mary Beth is a doctor of physical therapy and board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. She currently practices in both Louisiana and Ohio for MBody You, providing physical therapy and wellness services to the performing arts community. She has experience treating a variety of dancers ranging from recreational to professionals on tour for So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars.
Mary Beth is an experienced local and national speaker, a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, and Doctors for Dancers. When Mary Beth is not in the studio, you can find her in the sun or traveling with her husband and daughter.
Dr. Mary
Beth Maas, DPT
Katie Schaar
Katie Schaar has nearly 2 decades of experience as a Los Angeles-based dancer, choreographer, & dance teacher. Credits include Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, the American Music Awards, MTV VMA’s, the BRIT Awards, the Grammy’s, films The Muppets and Rock of Ages, the 2015 Super Bowl Halftime Show, and world tours for P!NK, Katy Perry & Taylor Swift. She has a BA from Loyola Marymount University, where she studied Communications Studies and Dance. Katie co-created Sugarfoot Therapy, a physical therapy-based conditioning & injury prevention program for dancers; and she is the founder and Director of Operations at MOTI Physiotherapy in LA.
Dr. Traci Stevens earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University St. Augustine for Health Science after completing her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from California State University San Marcos. She has also earned the distinction of board certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS). Traci has over 20 years of dance experience, many of which were in the competitive studio environment. She has presented dance medicine lectures for IADMS conference, CLI Studios, Dance Teacher Summit, and AMDA; and she has been interviewed for many publications such as Dance Magazine and Dance Plug. As the Clinic Director at MOTI Physiotherapy – Los Feliz, she enjoys working with many dancers and performing artists…from competitive youth dancers, to college dance majors, to established professionals with credits such as Alonzo King LINES Ballet, BODYTRAFFIC, Radio City Rockettes, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, Lady Gaga, and many more.
Dr. Traci Stevens earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University St. Augustine for Health Science after completing her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from California State University San Marcos. Traci has a strong background in manual and orthopedic therapies, with advanced coursework on evaluation and treatment of spinal and extremity function.
Traci has had clinical experience in many physical therapy settings including orthopedics, pediatrics, neurological rehabilitation with emphasis on spinal cord injuries, as well as prosthetic training for amputees. Traci aspires to focus her continuing education on increasing her knowledge on functional, developmental movements, dance medicine, and sports physical therapy. Traci has over 20 years of dance experience, with over 7 years at a competitive level, and enjoys working with professional dancers and performing artists.
Dr. Traci Stevens, PT, DPT
Dr. Steven Karageanes, DO
Dr. Karageanes is primary care sports medicine physician who is the Medical Director of MercyElite Sports Medicine and Sports Performance at St Mary Mercy Hospital. He serves on the advisory boards of Youth Protection Advocates in Dance and the Bridge Dance Project, a representative on Athletes and the Arts, editorial board of the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine and as special consultant to the board of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. He is also Past-President of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine.
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He is one of the first physicians in the United States certified in performing arts medicine by the Performing Arts Medical Association. He works with Wayne State University Department of Theater and Dance, University of Michigan Dance Department, Madonna University, and ConteXture Dance Company. In addition, he has served as consultant, lead physician for numerous shows and productions, including Radio City Rockettes, So You Think You Can Dance, Pippin, Chicago, Bolshoi Ballet, and Brighton Dance Festival, as well as numerous dance studios across Michigan.
Dr. Jeff Russell is associate professor of Athletic Training and researcher within the Science and Health in Artistic Performance (SHAPe) at Ohio University. Dr. Russell assists a team of athletic trainers and researchers who care for and study artists in dance, music, theatre, entertainment, and marching band.
He earned his Ph.D. in dance medicine and science from the University of Wolverhampton in England. He is a Fellow of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (FIADMS) and a member of the Research Advisory Group of Cirque du Soleil.