Pilates is everywhere in the dance world… but what actually makes it so effective for ballet dancers?
In this Ballet Science Podcast episode, I’m joined by Kerry Shea, Pilates instructor at the School of American Ballet (NYC), to break down how Pilates supports alignment, core control, coordination, injury prevention, and performance… from young pre-professionals to seasoned pros.
We cover:
- What is Pilates? (and how mat vs apparatus work differs)
- What “the core” really means for dancers
- Why Pilates is especially helpful for hypermobility
- How SAB integrates Pilates into a holistic health + wellness model
- Common dancer patterns Pilates helps fix
- Why “just doing more ballet” can reinforce dysfunctional patterns
- How to start Pilates safely + what certifications to look for in an instructor
Ballet Science Blog 
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