Maureen O'Rourke
Number of visits
since September 1, 2001
|
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Maureen
O'Rourke, LMT, a former dancer with a BFA from the University of California at
Santa Barbara, teaches muscular anatomy-in-clay for dancers using the Maniken
model, as well as anatomy/physiology, kinesiology/injury prevention and Pilates
in the college dance program at University of Florida / NWSA since 1988; and
gives many lectures and workshops dealing with anatomy and injury prevention for
dancers, massage therapists & Pilates teachers around the world.
Ms. O'Rourke is a licensed massage
therapist, certified neuromuscular therapist, and Pilates teacher, specializing
in dance rehabilitation and injury prevention.
In addition to working with her private Pilates & massage therapy clients
in the Miami area, she heads the therapy department at the New World School of
the Arts' dance division, where she works with high school, college, and
professional dancers. She uses
techniques from hydrotherapy such as whirlpool, ice massage and contrast baths
as well as trigger point release work, connective tissue massage, postural
re-alignment, Pilates, and stretching to rehabilitate injured dancers, and to
teach them how to heal small injuries before they become major problems.
MEMBER: American Massage Therapy
Association (AMTA), Florida Dance Association (FDA) International
Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS).
Florida License # MA 8721
EDUCATION:
1989-2012:
Seminars: Jon Zahourek (Anatomy Studies with Maniken & Craniken Models - AMTA
Anatomy Summit July 1991, and continuing), Thomas Myers (Anatomy Trains), Paul
St. John & Leon Chaitow (Neuromuscular Therapy), John Barnes, Dale Alexander,
Phil Aberman & Erik Dalton (Connective Tissue Work / Craniosacral Therapy),
Bodhi Kocica (Hoshino Therapy), Ben Benjamin, Michael Loomis, & David Kasparsak
(Sports Massage Therapy), Aaron Mattes & Leonard Elbaum (Kinesiology &
Stretching), Judith Aston (Aston Patterning), Alma Shissler (Hydrotherapy),
Michele Larsson, Deborah Lessen, Kevin Bowen, Laure Sharadsky, Brent Anderson,
Alba Calzada, Elaine Wright, Debra
Salkov & Dianne Rose (ongoing Pilates-based exercise), Bernadette Dunn (Thai
yoga massage), and various teachers (Yoga, Shiatsu, Feldenkrais, & Trager®).
2004:
Certification as a Pilates instructor through Core Dynamics - Michele
Larsson, Kevin Bowen
1987-88:
Certification in Neuromuscular Therapy,
St. John
Method
1987:
Educating Hands School of Massage Therapy Diploma;
LMT licensed in State of
Florida
1982-2002:
Studied dance, Pilates-based conditioning as apprentice with Dance
Miami (‘82-83) & other teachers
1975-91:
Studied dance techniques with various artists, performed with various
modern & jazz companies
1981:
BFA Modern Dance, University
of California at Santa Barbara
MASSAGE THERAPY & PILATES WORK:
1988-present:
Head of Therapy Department, New World School of the Arts Dance
Division
1987-present:
Private massage therapy and Pilates clients in Miami area
2004-present:
Pilates mat classes twice weekly at The Conservatory in South Miami
2010-present:
Pilates mat classes at CGCC Wellness Center, Coral Gables
2004-2011:
Pilates in the Garden mat classes at Fairchild Tropical Botanical
Garden
1987-89:
Doral Saturnia Spa, Studio Cosmyl
1988-89:
Health Dynamics, with Paul Canali, D.C.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
1991-present:
Lectures, panels, master classes
- “Hands-On Anatomy”, Maniken
(Anatomy in Clay), Appropriate Choreography for Children, Pilates-based
Exercise, LMT in Dance Medicine, Anatomy/Injury Prevention for
Dancers: Tsoying Taiwan - WDA;
Indonesia - DACI; Australia -
NDA; Louisville & Niagara Falls,
Portland - Network of Performing Arts HS’s; Miami Beach - FSMTA; Aspen
-PAMA; Tampa, Miami - FDA; Miami -
NHSDF & ACDFA; Miami, New
York, San Francisco, West Palm Beach - IADMS;
Orlando – PMA; Miami, Kendall
and South Miami FL - Anatomy for Pilates Instructors (Polestar & “Hands-On
Anatomy”)
1988-present: New World School of the Arts, Dance Division
- Anatomy & Physiology, Maniken (Sculptural Anatomy), Kinesiology &
Palpation, Injury Prevention Lectures, Anatomy for Visual Artists
1990-98:
Educating Hands School of
Massage Therapy - Hydrotherapy, Kinesiology & Palpation, Anatomy in Clay,
Anatomy & Physiology, Commonly-encountered Soft-tissue Pathologies &
Treatments
1990-2010:
Florida Dance Festival, Dade County Dance Teachers Association - Anatomy,
Injury Prevention & Treatment, Benefits of Massage Therapy for Dancers
Lectures
1990:
University of Miami, Miami Beach Extension - Massage
techniques
1984-87:
Momentum School
of Dance, In Motion Dance Center, Temple
Judea, Temple Beth Sholom, Slim Gym,
Arabesque Studio, Miami, Hollywood, FL
- Dance, stretch, aerobics & exercise.
1980-85:
Miami-Dade Community College,
Coconut Grove Children's Theater, Miami Beach Workouts, Goleta
Community Center, Santa Barbara, CA
- Dance techniques
PUBLICATIONS:
Hydrotherapy and Heliotherapy: Natural Healing With Water, Herbs, and
Sunlight, Published in Miami,
FL, 1996 by Educating Hands, Inc., Publishers
“Massage Therapy in Dance Medicine,” published in Medical Problems of
Performing Artists, June, 1998 (Presented at Performing Arts Medicine
Ass’n Conference in Aspen CO June 1997)
“Dancers Improve With Massage Therapy” 1998 study in conjunction with
researchers at the Touch Research Institute, published in Journal of
Dance Medicine & Science, Vol.3 #3, 1999 (Presented at IADMS -
International Association of Dance Medicine & Science Conference in Miami,
October 2000)
“Expert Advice: Hyperextension Help,” published in Dance Spirit Magazine,
November 2006, page 74
Interviewed & quoted extensively for
“The Art of Breathing,” by Susan Amoruso, published in Dance Teacher
Magazine, August 2007, pages 122-4.
*(In progress: text/DVD:
Movement Science Basics: A Manual of Anatomy,
Kinesiology & Injury Prevention
for Dancers),
used in NWSA class
PUBLICATIONS: Hydrotherapy and Heliotherapy: Natural Healing with Water,
Herbs, and Sunlight, Published in Miami, FL January 1996.
TO ORDER CALL: Educating Hands Book Store (305) 285-0651 or 1 800 999-6991
I am presently writing a Workbook for Muscular Anatomy to be used in my teaching in
conjunction with the Maniken®™ skeleton model & producing a video (including
information on correct technique & injury prevention) to accompany it.