What do the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the knee actually do… and why are they so important for dancers? In this Ballet Science Podcast episode, Caroline Simpkins breaks down how these soft tissues work together to power movement, protect the knee, and prevent injuries. You’ll learn how quad dominance develops, why hamstring and glute…
Discover the inner workings of the knee joint in dancers with the Ballet Science Podcast! In this episode, Caroline Simpkins breaks down the bones of the knee (the femur, tibia, and patella) as well as the menisci, cartilage, and growth plates. Learn how proper alignment, technique, and body awareness protect your knees, prevent injuries, and…
Dive into the anatomy of the foot and ankle with Ballet Science! In this episode, we explore the key muscles, tendons, and ligaments that keep your feet strong, balanced, and injury-free. Learn about the gastrocnemius and soleus (calf muscles), peroneals, tibialis anterior, intrinsic foot muscles, Achilles tendon, FHL tendon, extensor tendons, ATFL, deltoid ligament, and…
Explore the incredible structure of the human foot with Ballet Science! In this episode, Caroline Simpkins, former ballerina turned researcher, breaks down the 26 bones of the foot, including the hindfoot (talus and calcaneus), midfoot (navicular, cuboid, and cuneiforms), and forefoot (metatarsals and phalanges). Learn about the medial, lateral, and transverse arches, the sesamoid bones,…
Discover how new vs. worn (dead) pointe shoes impact a dancer’s balance, muscle activity, and injury risk in this Ballet Science Podcast episode. Former professional ballerina and researcher Caroline Simpkins breaks down the latest research on pointe shoe biomechanics, sway, and ankle stability. Learn why replacing worn shoes matters for performance, safety, and longevity in…
How do ballet dancers walk compared to non-dancers? In this video, we break down the biomechanics of gait, balance, and stability using my own research. Explore findings from my study comparing professional ballet dancers to non-dancers during normal walking. You’ll learn how ballet training influences step length, step width, walking speed, cadence, and dynamic gait…
