The Utah Valley University (UVU) School of the Arts (SOA) has just announced a one-of-a-kind partnership between the Department of Dance and American Fork Physical Therapy to provide comprehensive treatment plans and regular physical therapy to dance students — and these ballet dancers are taking full advantage of the new program.
For students whose bodies are their instruments, access to consistent, specialized care is essential. Through this new partnership, dancers in the UVU Department of Dance receive individualized treatment plans, preventative care, and hands-on support designed specifically for the physical demands of their art form. From long rehearsal days in the studio to back-to-back performances under the stagelights, the partnership ensures students can maintain peak performance while reducing the risk of injury.
Jordan Mulyangote, a UVU BFA ballet major from West Valley City, has been dancing for six years and understands firsthand how physically demanding the discipline can be. He was previously a member of Synergy Dance Company and now performs with the Repertory Ballet Ensemble (RBE) at UVU, balancing rigorous rehearsals with academic responsibilities. Most recently, he performed in Intersections, a collaboration between the UVU Repertory Ballet Ensemble and Contemporary Dance Ensemble, as well as the School of the Arts-wide production of The Crucible earlier this fall, dancing as an ensemble member.
“I appreciate the vast wealth of knowledge and expertise the therapists share with us,” said Mulyangote. “Everyone is here to help you succeed, whether it’s keeping you in good health every day or providing extra support during long performance weeks.”
For Mulyangote, the partnership provides more than recovery; it offers reassurance, and a support net should he need it. Knowing that professional guidance is readily available allows him to train harder and smarter, confident that he has professionals watching out for him and his future career. The preventative approach has helped him focus more fully on refining his technique and artistry rather than worrying about potential injuries.
For Laura Bermann, a senior from Kennesaw, Georgia, dance has been a lifelong commitment. With 18 years of training behind her, she has grown up in the studio, dedicating herself to both classical and contemporary forms. Like Mulyangote, she recently performed in Intersections and in The Crucible as the dancing shadow to one of the main leads, Goody Proctor. These experiences reflect her versatility and dedication to developing her dance skills and technique.
“It’s comforting to have physical therapy available as a student,” said Bermann. “I know that I have resources to help my physical health instead of running into barriers.”
As a senior preparing for graduation, the partnership comes at a pivotal moment. For Bermann, access to regular care means she can approach final UVU dance ensemble performances and post-graduation auditions with confidence, knowing her skills and talent are supported.
Looking ahead, both Mulyangote and Bermann see the physical therapy partnership as a vital stepping stone into their professional careers. Mulyangote plans to pursue a professional performance career and hopes to join a professional dance company after graduation, while Bermann also intends to continue performing and aspires to join a professional ballet or contemporary company. With the support of consistent, specialized care and years of dedicated training, both dancers are laying the groundwork for long, healthy careers in the professional dance world.
