Your spine doesn’t move on its own. An entire team of muscles, tendons, and ligaments makes ballet possible, and most dancers are only using half of them. In Part 2 of the Ballet Science spine series, Dr. Caroline Simpkins (former professional ballerina, PhD in biomechanics) breaks down how the spinal support system actually works in…

When I tell people that I went to college while dancing professionally as a ballerina, the reaction is almost always the same: How did you make that work? In this video, I break down the five strategies that enabled me to balance school with a professional ballet career, including what my daily schedule looked like,…

Your spine isn’t meant to be stiff, straight, or locked in place. It’s designed to move, absorb load, and adapt, and understanding its natural curves can instantly change your ballet technique. In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, former professional ballerina and biomechanics Ph.D. Caroline Simpkins breaks down the bones of the spine and…

Our research found that older adults who take ballet recreationally tend to be stronger, more powerful, and more balanced than non-dancers. These abilities… leg strength, power, balance, and coordination… are major components of fall prevention. But why might ballet make such a difference? In this episode, we break down why ballet may support healthier aging…

There’s growing interest in how ballet can support healthy aging, but surprisingly little research has focused on independent, healthy older adults who choose to take ballet classes on their own. While previous studies have shown improvements in balance, strength, and gait in adults aged 50+, many have lacked comparison groups or were based on virtual…

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults worldwide. As our population ages, finding effective, sustainable ways to improve balance, mobility, and overall physical function has never been more important. While walking programs, strength training, and traditional balance classes can help reduce fall risk, many older adults struggle to stay consistent. So what…

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…