Science Meets Practice: A Holistic Approach for Dance Teachers

Programme Highlights:

• Expert-led lectures and practice-based workshops
• Practical strategies in conditioning, nutrition, and psychology
• Engagement with current research to enhance teaching, performance, and student well-being
• Tools to implement a sustainable and integrated approach to dance education

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The programme is eligible for external, time-valued Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation with relevant dance organisations.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion, which may be used to claim CPD credits or hours in line with their organisation’s professional development requirements.

Programme Schedule:

Speakers:

• Miss. Paula Baird-Colt (Australia)
  Exercise Movement Specialist

  Paula Baird-Colt began her professional dance career with the West Australian Ballet before joining The Australian Ballet. After 17 years as a dancer, she retrained in the Pilates Method and taught conditioning at the Australian Ballet School (2001–2007). As a body conditioning specialist on The Australian Ballet’s medical team (2006–2019), she developed injury prevention and rehabilitation programs and contributed to the company’s education outreach (2008–2015). Paula’s expertise includes hips, lower legs, pointe work, and ultrasound biofeedback. She works with elite athletes, presents internationally, and is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science.

   

• Dr. Jojo Lai Hoi Ching (Hong Kong)
  Orthopaedic Doctor

  Stemmed from her passion in dance at a young age, Dr. Lai received training in various dance genres including ballet, contemporary and Chinese dance in Hong Kong and the United States. She obtained a medical degree and a master’s degree in sports medicine and health science in the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She currently works as an orthopaedic surgeon in Hospital Authority, serves as a medical assessor for Hong Kong Medical Council, as well as a committee member of the Hong Kong Association of Dance Medicine and Science.

   

• Miss. Karen Lo (Hong Kong)

  Sport Psychologist

  Karen Lo, M.Ed., CMPC, ISSP-R, is the founder of Hong Kong-based Inner Edge and a recognized leader in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology. A former Hong Kong national swimmer, she translates over two decades of athletic experience into psychological support for elite performers. Her client-centered approach is utilized by prestigious institutions, including the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, where she applies her expertise directly with dancers and other artists. An award-winning author and lecturer at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, she bridges academic research and practical application to help performers optimize their mental game and reach their full potential.

   

• Miss. Sylvia Lam (Hong Kong)

  Consultant Dietitian, Accredited Practicing Dietitian (Australia), Accredited Dietitian (HKAAD) 
  Sylvia is a Hong Kong-based dietitian with over 20 years of experience, specializing in diabetes, weight management, and eating disorders. A prominent professional leader, she has held key roles including former Chairperson of the Hong Kong Dietitians Association (2007 - 2019) and currently serves as a Vice-Chairperson of Professional Council of the Hong Kong Academy of Accredited Dietitians. Her extensive work includes lecturing, public education, and authoring over 10 nutrition cookbooks. Her expertise in sports nutrition is applied through her council membership with the Hong Kong Association of Sports Medicine and Sport Science, where she supports athletes, including dancers, with targeted nutritional strategies.

   

• Dr. Nico Kolokythas (UK)
  Head of Research and Performance
  Dr. Kolokythas is the Head of Research and Performance at Elmhurst Ballet School, where he established the world’s first Research and Performance Department within a vocational dance training environment. His work bridges scientific research and daily practice, focusing on injury prevention, physical preparation, and the integration of evidence-based methods into dance education. As a researcher, peer reviewer, and educator, he collaborates internationally with universities, medical professionals, and ballet institutions to advance dancer health, wellbeing, and performance.

   

• Dr. Xiang Hong (Chinese Mainland)

  Orthopedic Doctor
  Dr Xiang is a visiting lecturer of Dance Anatomy at Shenzhen University’s School of Arts. She is a distinguished medical professional, having graduated from the prestigious XiangYa School of Medicine at Central South University. Her career includes foundational experience as an Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Doctor at major Beijing institutions, Beijing Friendship Hospital and the Beijing Rehabilitation Center. This clinical expertise in musculoskeletal health directly informs her academic role, where she bridges medical science and artistic practice. Complementing her professional work, she is also a passionate and longstanding recreational ballet dancer, bringing decades of personal, practical experience in dance to her teaching and research.

   

• Prof. Emma Redding (UK)

  Dean of C School, Central Saint Martins (UK)

  Prof. Redding is a contemporary dance artist, performance science practitioner, and leading educator. A former professional dancer, she co-authored the UK's first Master's in Dance Science and has been instrumental in establishing the field in higher education. She is a founding partner of the UK's National Institute for Dance Medicine and Science and a Past President of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science. Prof. Redding maintains active lecturing and studio practice in technique, physiology, and research methods. She is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and was awarded an MBE in 2024 for services to dance. 

Ticketing: 

Cityline

Price:   

Early Bird (registration by Feb 10th 2026), members of International Association of Dance Science and Medicine (IADMS), members of Hong Kong Dance Federation, registered teachers of Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), and registered teachers of Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)*:

1800 HKD for 2 days, 1300 HKD for 1 day. 
*Membership validity will be verified at registration.

Full price: 2000 HKD for 2 days, 1400 HKD for 1 day 

The complimentary tickets for HKAPA, School of Dance alumni have all been allocated. If you wish to attend, please purchase your tickets directly.

Participants are encouraged to attend the full programme.

Terms and Conditions
 

• Ticket Policy: All ticket purchases are non-refundable.
• Language of Delivery: Sessions will be conducted in English and/or Chinese. Student assistants may be available to support translation.
• Photography and Recording: Unauthorized photography, audio, or video recording during sessions is strictly prohibited.
• Speakers’ Views: The opinions expressed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organisers.
• Programme Changes: The organizers reserve the right to modify the programme or speakers without prior notice.
• Organisers’ Authority: The organisers retain final authority in all matters relating to the event, including the resolution of disputes or issues arising during the event.

Please send an email to dancescience@hkapa.edu for enquires.