BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 28 Falls are the #1 cause of injury in older adults worldwide, but can ballet help? In this episode, Caroline Simpkins, PhD, breaks down her published research in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, examining whether recreational ballet dancers aged 55+ show advantages in key fall-risk factors compared to non-dancers….
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 25 From studio to science lab, this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast dives into how new vs. dead pointe shoes change lower-extremity biomechanics and muscle activity in professional ballet dancers. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Jessica Aquino, DPT, ATC, a physical therapist and athletic trainer specializing in…
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 19 In this episode, I share highlights from the 2025 International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Conference in Las Vegas. I recap my award-winning study on ballet as a tool for fall prevention in older adults and walk through my top five favorite sessions, covering: This episode is…
Do ballet dancers have weak bones? Ballet dancers train for hours every day… so shouldn’t their bones be incredibly strong? Surprisingly, research shows that some elite ballet dancers may experience more bone breakdown than bone formation… increasing their risk for stress fractures and injury. In this video, I break down the “ballet bone paradox” and…
Ballet is known for beauty, discipline, and control… but what’s happening behind the scenes? Today, we break down scientific research on mental health in professional ballet dancers. Discover the prevalence of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and sleep disturbances, and what these findings reveal about the pressures of elite performance environments. Learn why sleep is critical…
Dance demands immense strength and artistry, but also comes with scrutiny around appearance, leading to a higher risk for an “eating disorder”. This video explores the connection between negative body image and limited “nutrition science” knowledge in “college dance” students. We discuss how dancers with more disordered eating habits often have lower “healthy eating” understanding,…
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…
How do you know you are ready for pointe shoes? When a dancer goes en pointe, the ankle experiences forces up to 12-13 times their body weight, significantly elevating the risk of injury. This video explains how proper ankle strength and ballet training are crucial to mitigate ankle pain. Understanding these forces helps every ballet…
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 13 Can ballet help improve balance and coordination in people with MS? In this episode, we explore a fascinating 2018 study investigating how a targeted ballet training program may help reduce ataxia and improve balance in individuals with mild to moderate MS. Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system, often impairing…
