Performing Arts

On Monday, May 6, Kathryn Merrow interviewed me for 30 minutes for Massage Talk Radio. We had a lot of fun. She asked about how I got into massage, about my training and experience, and how I've evolved to incorporate the various things I've learned over the years into my practice.

Musicians. Computer users. Massage therapists.  What do they have in common? They all use their hands and arms a lot in very repetitive ways. Anyone suffering from tight forearms, carpal tunnel syndrome, elbow pain, or wants to avoid those problems should take note.

Given the nature of our show, our acrobats are in great need of physical healing as well as spiritual healing. They perform nine to ten shows per week and need specific attention to different injuries and physical pain they endure on a daily basis. Alice was able to relieve them of this with regular massages. They were very grateful to the service she provided to them.

Alice Sanvito is a gifted massage therapist and healer. In my work as Artistic Director of Muny 1st Stage, and now as Education Director for Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, I have utilized her expert care when performers have reported muscular and movement related injuries. Examples include a serious lower back related strain and another was shoulder related. I sent both the actors to Alice.

I once read an article about musculoskeletal pain among professional musicians. A survey of several thousand symphony musicians revealed that approximately 80% of them suffered from either chronic or intermittent pain directly related to their profession. The highest incidence was reported among the violinists.

No doubt about it, the best job I’ve ever had has been working with Cirque du Soleil. Four times.

People are often impressed that I have worked with Cirque du Soleil. I tell them don’t be impressed that they hired me the first time. After all, the first time they didn’t know what they were getting. Be impressed that they hired me the second. And the third. And the fourth time.