Falls are the #1 cause of injury in older adults worldwide, but can ballet help? In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, 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.…

How does a professional ballet dancer go from the stage… to becoming a strength and personal trainer? 💪 In this Ballet Science Podcast clip, Shane Wuerthner shares his powerful journey from dancing with the Vienna State Opera, the San Francisco Ballet, and the Queensland Ballet to transitioning into the fitness world. Shane opens up about…

What physical qualities are male ballet dancers really lacking, and how do you fix them? 💪 In this Ballet Science Podcast clip, Shane Wuerthner (former principal dancer and founder of Athletistry) breaks down the most common movement limitations he sees in male dancers and dance students. From dancers who are strong but inflexible… to dancers…

Are male ballet dancers still being told that strength training will make them “too bulky”? 💪 In this Ballet Science Podcast clip, Shane Wuerthner, former principal dancer and founder of Athletistry, breaks down the BIGGEST misconceptions male ballet dancers and students hear about weight training. From being warned against leg exercises at 16 to being…

Unlock what it really takes to build strong, resilient male ballet dancers, without “bulking up” or losing artistry. In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, Caroline Simpkins sits down with Shane Wuerthner (former principal dancer and founder of Athletistry) to talk all things strength training for male dancers and students. We break down the…

What are the biggest biomechanical benefits dancers gain from strength training? In this Ballet Science Podcast clip, Kendall Baab breaks down how resistance training improves balance, jump power, leg height, plié depth, endurance, and overall technical control. We explore how stronger tendons, better joint mobility, and improved muscle endurance translate directly into higher développés, more…

In this episode, host Caroline Simpkins is joined by Kendall Baab, a Los Angeles–based strength and conditioning coach, dance science educator, and founder of Body Kinect. We dive into how strength training can transform ballet technique, reduce injury risk, and build confidence for dancers, from young studio students to pre-professional and professional performers. We cover:…

How can dance science shape the future of pointe shoe design? In this Ballet Science Podcast clip, Dr. Jessica Aquino explains how biomechanics research can influence materials, structure, pressure distribution, and injury prevention in pointe work. We explore emerging technologies, including polymer shanks, new paste formulas, canvas vs. satin, pressure-sensing toe boxes, and even early…

How can dancers, teachers, and pointe-shoe manufacturers use science to better protect dancers’ feet? In this Ballet Science Podcast clip, Dr. Jessica Aquino shares evidence-based advice on strength, technique, dead-shoe risks, overuse injuries, sustainable pointe-shoe design, and where pointe-shoe technology may be headed next, including new materials and even 3D-printed options. We also discuss the…

In this Ballet Science Podcast clip, sports psychologist and former professional ballerina Lauren Ostrander McArdle dives into one of the hardest challenges dancers face: life after ballet and the identity crisis that often comes with it. Whether a dancer retires from a professional career, shifts paths after high school, or steps away due to injury,…