Allegro Performance + Wellness—North Vancouver, BC

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Episode 44: Strength and Conditioning for Irish Dance with Ellen Waller

Lex Lancaster
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In this episode, I'm joined by Ellen Waller from Target Training Dance. Ellen and I first met at an IADMS conference in 2019 and immediately hit it off. We have a similar interest and fascination with how the body works, and have applied this curiosity to careers in dance science. In this episode we discuss Ellen's journey in Irish Dance, how Target Training came to be and how strength and conditioning benefits Irish Dancers. We also dive into flexibility training, and how the Flexibility Foundations program has helped Ellen re-vamp her flexibility training program to get even better results for her Irish Dancers.

Ellen Waller

Ellen is a long time competitive and professional Irish dancer and instructor and has dedicated her life to Irish dance.  Her talent as a dancer has lead her to perform for thousands across the world and her passion as an Irish dance instructor has influenced innumerable young dancers.

As a young dancer, Ellen recognized the unique physical and mental challenges encountered by elite dancers and athletes.  Determined to learn more about supporting young dancers and athletes, she returned to school to complete her Masters of Science in Exercise Science. 

Coupling her in-depth experience as an Irish dancer/instructor with her expansive knowledge of kinesiology, Ellen developed the innovative Target Training program; a series of courses and training methods that condition the specific muscles Irish dancers need to:

  • optimize performance

  • improve technique

  • reduce the risk of injuries

  • overcome physical and mental challenges

  • perform and compete at an elite level


You can connect with Ellen:
On Instagram @targettrainingdance
On her website targettrainingdance.com


Learn more about Erika Mayall: