BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 34 Have you ever thought, “I’ve always wanted to try ballet, but I’m too old” … or “I didn’t start as a kid, so what’s the point now?” This episode is for you. In this episode, I break down how to start ballet as an adult from a science-based, body-respectful perspective….
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 33 Blisters are often treated like a rite of passage in ballet… but from a biomechanics perspective, they’re actually important feedback about how your foot is interacting with your shoe. If you’ve ever tried to dance with a painful blister, you know how much it can affect balance, confidence, and technique….
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 31 A herniated disc can sound terrifying for dancers, but it is not a career-ender. In this final episode of the Ballet Science spine series, Dr. Caroline Simpkins (former professional ballerina, PhD in biomechanics) breaks down what a herniated disc actually is, why it often develops gradually rather than from one…
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 30 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…
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 29 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, former professional ballerina and biomechanics Ph.D. Caroline Simpkins breaks down the bones of the spine and…
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 27 Unlock what it really takes to build strong, resilient male ballet dancers, without “bulking up” or losing artistry. In this episode, 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…
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 26 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…
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 24 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…
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 22 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,…
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 21 How can a ballet dancer get better turnout? Understanding hip anatomy is crucial for dancers, as true turnout originates deep within the hip joint, not from twisting the knees or feet. This episode explains the anatomy of the hip joint, covering the gluteus maximus and other hip muscles responsible for…
