In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, we reflect on a historic moment in the dance world: Gillian Murphy’s retirement from American Ballet Theatre after nearly 30 years of unforgettable performances. Her final bow in Swan Lake was more than a farewell — it was a masterclass in artistry, strength, and emotional storytelling. We…

In this episode, we explore the link between body image and nutrition knowledge in collegiate dancers. College dancers face intense physical, academic, and social pressures, which can increase the risk of disordered eating and RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport). We discuss key findings from recent research, including how low nutrition knowledge can impact health…

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…

Discover how classical ballet can improve balance, coordination, and reduce ataxia in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, Caroline Simpkins dives into a 2018 study on a targeted ballet program for women with mild to moderate MS. Learn how adapted ballet combines motor learning, neuroscience, and expressive movement…

Discover how professional ballet dancers walk differently from non-dancers in this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast. Caroline Simpkins, former ballerina and researcher, shares her 2023 biomechanics study on step length, step width, cadence, and dynamic balance. Learn how ballet training influences movement strategies, walking speed, and step frequency, and what this tells us about…

In this episode, Caroline shares her personal perspective as a ballet teacher and researcher, explaining what teachers look for before allowing dancers to begin pointe work. We cover key factors including: Physical readiness: ankle, foot, and core strength, ankle mobility and alignment, technical proficiency and years of training, emotional maturity and focus, the pointe shoe…

Learn the 3 most common tests ballet teachers use to assess if a student is ready for pointe work. This video demonstrates the Airplane Test, Pirouette/Topple Test, and Relevé Test, showing how to check strength, balance, alignment, and control before beginning pointe training. Perfect for dancers, parents, and teachers who want a safe, effective approach…

Discover what it truly takes for a dancer to start pointe work in this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast. Host Caroline Simpkins, former ballerina turned researcher, dives into the science of pointe readiness, exploring the physical requirements, common screening tests like the airplane test, relevé test, and pirouette/topple test, and potential injuries related to…

Join Caroline Simpkins, former professional ballerina and researcher, for the final episode of our three-part series on ballet and fall prevention. In this episode, we explore how recreational ballet helps older adults improve balance, reduce fall risk, and react faster to unexpected slips. Learn about the neurobiomechanical mechanisms behind ballet training, including recovery steps, trunk…

In this episode (Part 2 of 3), we dive into the pilot study I conducted on fall prevention in professional ballet dancers. We explore: how ballet dancers respond to unexpected standing slips, differences between dancers and non-dancers in balance, trunk control, and recovery steps, what a pilot study is and why it’s important for larger…