When Every Day is a Circus: Applying Athletic Principles to Aerialists and Acrobats

  • Register
    • Non-member - $37.50
    • Member - Free!
    • Student - Free!
    • Staff - Free!
    • Certified Student - Free!
    • Retired - $22.50

    Continue

Abstract:
With approximately 470 shows per year, injury risk mitigation and management among Cirque du Soleil performers requires effective and efficient interventions from an interdisciplinary team. Similar to traditional athletics, well-rehearsed emergency procedures, management of activity workload, and maintenance of chronic conditions require special considerations within each unique setting. This game day is everyday approach requires diligent management of overall performer care to ensure durability and sustainability of peak performance. Practical applications of these principles in this performing arts environment will be presented.

Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to apply the general principles of prehospital care to complex rescue scenarios, 
  • Participants will be able to identify appropriate workload monitoring strategies for a variety of activity types, 
  • Participants will be able to utilize performance metrics to identify opportunities for workload alterations and/or recovery interventions, 
  • Participants will be able to describe alternative approaches and applications for chronic conditions.

Level:
Advanced

Domains:
Domain 3: Critical Incident Management
Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility

CEUs:
1.5 Category A

Keywords: acrobat, aerialist, emergency procedures, rescue, workload, recovery, interventions, chronic conditions, performing arts

On-Demand (Enhanced Access) Course Expiration:
Courses registered for after February 5, 2025, must be completed by December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.

Brian Oudyk, CAT(C), ATC, PES, CES

I am a dual credentialed Certified Athletic Therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer and have spent the past 15 years working in the Performance Medicine Department with Cirque du Soleil.

For many years I have been part of a strong interdisciplinary team working with performers from varying international athletic backgrounds, including former Olympians, National, and International champions. Working with such an eclectic group of elite athletes has allowed me to develop divergent thinking skills when it comes to the traditional confines of therapeutic care, injury trends/analytics, prevention and rehabilitation commonly seen in sport. In recent years I completed a diploma in Sport Physical Therapies from the International Olympic Committee, as well as a certificate in Workload Management from FC Barcelona.

Katherine Perlsweig, MS, ATC, CSCS

Katherine Perlsweig, MS, ATC, CSCS works as an Athletic Trainer for Cirque du Soleil.

Angela West, MA, ATC, CAT(C)

I enjoy working in non-traditional settings and with diverse populations. I have a special interest in pilates for performance enhancement as well as rehabilitation. I also have a background working with complex shoulder pathologies.

Components visible upon registration.