In this Ballet Science Podcast clip, Dr. Caroline Simpkins sits down with Miko Fogarty—internationally acclaimed ballerina, “First Position” star, and now podiatrist—to reflect on the standout moments of her ballet career. Miko shares the personal highlights that shaped her as a performer, including:

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. Dr. Caroline Simpkins, a former ballerina turned researcher, is joined by Dr. Jessica Aquino, DPT, ATC, a physical therapist and athletic trainer specializing in dance medicine,…

Thinking about becoming a pointe shoe fitter? In this Ballet Science Podcast clip, Josephine Lee, master pointe shoe fitter and founder of The Pointe Shop, breaks down what it really takes to start a career in pointe shoe fitting. Josephine explains why pointe shoe fitting is one of the most rewarding jobs in the dance…

Former professional ballerina Lauren Ostrander McArdle, MS (Sports Psychology), joins the Ballet Science Podcast to unpack the mental side of dance—how to manage perfectionism, channel nerves, and build a reliable pre-performance routine. We delve into injury psychology, explore identity beyond ballet, and discuss practical sport psychology tools that dancers can utilize in class, auditions, and…

Master pointe shoe fitter Josephine Lee (The Pointe Shop) joins Dr. Caroline Simpkins to demystify pointe shoe fitting—from shoe anatomy (box, shank, vamp, wings, platform) to how fit impacts technique, foot health, and injury risk. We cover common fitting mistakes, why pain is a red flag (not a rite of passage), spotting dead shoes, drying/rotating…

Former ballet star Dr. Miko Fogarty joins the Ballet Science Podcast to share her journey from elite performer (“First Position,” YAGP, Birmingham Royal Ballet) to a foot & ankle surgery resident specializing in podiatric medicine. We cover injury prevention, why dead pointe shoes raise risk, alignment tips that protect feet, knees, and hips, and how…

Welcome to The Ballet Science Podcast, where we bring science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities perform their best—both on stage and off. In this episode, host Caroline Simpkins, a former ballerina turned researcher, continues our series on hip anatomy and explores the soft tissues that power every ballet movement—muscles,…

Welcome to the Ballet Science Podcast, where dance meets science! In this episode, host Caroline Simpkins, a former ballerina turned researcher, breaks down the anatomy of the hip joint and explains how your bones, pelvis, and femur work together to support every turnout, arabesque, and développé. Learn how your unique hip structure affects turnout, flexibility,…

In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, host Caroline Simpkins, PhD — former ballerina turned researcher — shares highlights from the 2025 International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Caroline recaps her award-winning study on ballet as a tool for fall prevention in older adults and walks through…

Why do ballet dancers, who train for hours daily, often face weaker bones and stress fractures? In this Ballet Science podcast episode, Caroline Simpkins explores new research on bone turnover, estrogen metabolism, and training demands in elite female ballet dancers. Learn why dancers may experience more bone breakdown than bone building, what this means for…