Article reposted from Sharkbytes
Author: Sharkbytes
Faculty and students from the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Athletic Training Program (ATP) recently participated in the experience of a lifetime at Cirque du Soleil Kurios held in Miami Gardens, Florida. With the increase in popularity of performance medicine, athletic training students and faculty were invited to get a behind the scenes look into show.
Chad Fraser, MS, ATC, head therapist for Cirque du Soleil Kurios, graciously provided a backstage tour while the performers were practicing and preparing for the show. With 18 different Cirque du Soleil shows internationally, the NSU ATP received a unique opportunity to hear from an expert in the demanding field of performance medicine. Not only did the students get a tour, but Fraser provided tickets to the students for the show to enjoy the full experience.
Feedback from NSU’s ATP students about the experience was overwhelmingly positive. Irfan Khan, Level 2 Athletic Training Student, stated, “I really liked the way that Chad takes care of his athletes. He does a lot of preventative care. It was also really interesting that he put so much emphasis on biomechanics and learning how his performers move.”
Kristin Dean, Level 2 Athletic Training Student, shared her perspective: “Being able to explore the stage and backstage tents really peaked my interest. It amazed me how much dedication, time, effort, and innovation went into running the show.”
Students also reflected on this unique work environment that was above and beyond traditional clinical experience that they had been exposed to in the past. Mr. Fraser also visited the NSU faculty and students on the Davie campus for a follow-up discussion about the performance. His insights into these world-class performers provided discussion into the need for creating therapeutic exercise programs as an athletic trainer.
Pradeep Vanguri, Ph.D., NSU Program Director, pointed out, “The NSU athletic training students were given a once in a lifetime opportunity for experiential learning under the big top. Attending the practice, the show and having the time to meet with Chad were world-class – just like the Cirque du Soleil organization.”
