Hypermobility in Ballet | Gift or Dangerous Injury Risk?
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 55
Can hypermobility help ballet dancers… or increase injury risk?
In this episode, we explore the science of hypermobility and its role in ballet training. Learn the difference between flexibility and hypermobility, why hypermobile dancers are often drawn to ballet, how conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) fit into the conversation, and why strength and stability may be even more important than flexibility.
Whether you’ve been told you’re “double-jointed,” struggle with hyperextended knees, or simply want to better understand how hypermobility affects ballet technique and injury prevention, this video is for you.
Related Research Publications:
- Dondin, M., & Baeza-Velasco, C. (2023). Joint hypermobility and fatigue are associated with injuries in a group of preprofessional ballet dancers. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 27(2), 80-86. https://doi.org/10.1177/1089313X231177173
- Biernacki, J. L., Stracciolini, A., Fraser, J., Micheli, L. J., & Sugimoto, D. (2021). Risk factors for lower-extremity injuries in female ballet dancers: a systematic review. Clinical journal of sport medicine, 31(2), e64-e79. https://journals.lww.com/cjsportsmed/fulltext/2021/03000/risk_factors_for_lower_extremity_injuries_in.13.aspx?casa_token=Liz8O6JSNwEAAAAA:gjBqWHkdCA_AQyQkFSUJknDpSom_WIs1snrtaFQEBn1yybFtWPP6fOvQw0Cuo2wNMQpBsNsB87zf76Z4W_nbKVFTJQ
- Smith, T. O., Jerman, E., Easton, V., Bacon, H., Armon, K., Poland, F., & Macgregor, A. J. (2013). Do people with benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) have reduced joint proprioception? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology international, 33(11), 2709-2716. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/S00296-013-2790-4
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical concerns, injuries, or suspected connective tissue disorders.
