Episode 65: Supporting Neurodivergent Dancers with Jennifer Milner

In this episode, I'm joined by my friend Jennifer Milner, a certified pilates trainer who specializes in working with dancers and dance rehabilitation. In this episode we discuss her earliest memories of dance, and what sparked her transition from professional dance to her current career. We discuss how she ended up attracting dancers with hypermobility conditions, as well as her experience working with neurodivergent dancers. We explore challenges that neurodivergent dancers face in traditional studio and training environments, and strategies that teachers, studios and companies can employ to support neurodivergent dancers.About Jennifer MilnerJennifer Milner is a certified Pilates trainer who specializes in working with dancers and dance rehabilitation.  As a classically trained ballet dancer, Jennifer danced with several companies across the country, before moving to New York for a career in musical theatre.  After a knee injury ended her successful performing career, she became determined to use her experiences to help other dancers and performers. She became certified in Pilates and immersed herself in the world of dance rehabilitation as the on-site Pilates trainer for Westside Dance Physical Therapy in NYC (the official physical therapists for New York City Ballet and SAB). She quickly developed a reputation as a knowledgeable, thoughtful, and compassionate trainer – working with a variety of clients from young dancers and gymnasts to Olympic medalists, Oscar winners, and world-famous dancers from companies around the world.Since moving to Dallas, Jennifer has continued to work with pre-professional and professional dancers through private pilates sessions, ballet coaching and presenting workshops and guest lectures on a variety of dance medicine and science topics.Connect with Jennifer:On Instagram: @jennifer.milnerOn her website: Jennifer-Milner.comLearn more about Erika Mayall:Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerikaLearn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.comSign up for my newsletter: Click hereSend me an email: [email protected] the show