Ballet Science

What if one of the biggest predictors of injury in ballet isn’t weak ankles or poor technique... but your brain?In this episode, we dive into the science of mental fatigue in ballet dancers and how it impacts performance, learning, and injury risk. Based on recent research on professional ballet dancers, this episode explores how cognitive overload, choreography demands, and sustained focus contribute to fatigue, and why that may lead to injuries like sprained ankles.Key topics covered:What mental fatigue actually is (and why it’s not just “being tired”)Why ballet is as cognitively demanding as it is physicalThe link between mental fatigue and injury riskHow dancers experience mental fatigue in rehearsal and performancePractical strategies dancers use to manage fatigueWhy this research matters for dancers, teachers, and training environmentsThis episode is especially important for anyone interested in dance science, injury prevention, and performance optimization.Research publication:Wirdnam, M., Ferrar, K., Mayes, S., MacMahon, C., Cook, J., & Rio, E. (2024). “A sprained ankle is the biggest sign of mental fatigue”: A qualitative study of the perceptions and experiences of mental fatigue in professional ballet. Physical therapy in sport, 65, 154-161. Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ballet looks effortless... but if you’ve ever tried it, you know that’s far from the truth. So why is ballet so hard… and why is it harder than it looks? In this video, we break down the science behind ballet technique, including biomechanics, balance, motor control, and strength. From controlling your center of mass to managing a high cognitive load, ballet challenges both your body and your brain in ways most people don’t realize.You’ll learn:Why ballet is designed to look easy (even when it’s not)The biomechanics of balance and dynamic stabilityWhy your brain feels overwhelmed in ballet classHow turnout challenges your natural alignmentWhy ballet requires strength in the hardest positionsThe real difference between beginner and professional dancers⁠Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

How do ballet dancers balance on their toes in pointe shoes? Learn the science and anatomy of pointe work, including ballet biomechanics, pointe shoe mechanics, and how dancers safely balance their center of mass on their toes in ballet technique.If you’ve ever tried standing on your toes, you know it feels impossible. But the truth is, it’s not just strong feet or natural talent... it’s physics, biomechanics, and years of neuromuscular training that allow ballerinas to control extreme forces on such a small surface area.In this episode, we break down:Why pointe work creates extremely high pressureHow alignment reduces injury riskWhat pointe shoes actually do (and don’t do)The full-body muscle coordination required for balanceWhy pointe training takes years... not monthsJoin the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if dance could do more than build technique… what if it could change how we connect with others? In this video, we break down scientific research examining how dance impacts individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We explore:👉 Whether dance improves overall ASD symptoms👉 The powerful effects on social interaction and communication👉 Why empathy did not significantly change👉 The neuroscience behind movement, connection, and learning👉 What this means for dancers, teachers, clinicians, and familiesResearch Publication:Chen, T., Wen, R., Liu, H., Zhong, X., & Jiang, C. (2022). Dance intervention for negative symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 47, 101565. Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if dance could actually help people with Parkinson’s disease improve their balance... and potentially reduce their risk of falling?In this episode, I break down one of my own research studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (612 participants) examining how dance impacts balance in Parkinson’s disease... and the results might surprise you.We’ll cover:Whether dance actually improves balanceWhat an effect size means (in simple terms)Whether certain dance styles work better than othersWhy duration matters more than styleThe science behind why dance works (neurology + biomechanics)What this means for real-world fall risk and independenceThis isn’t just theory... this is high-level clinical evidence translated into real, practical insights. If you're a dancer, teacher, clinician, or just curious about how movement impacts the body and brain, this episode is for you.Publication Discussed:Simpkins, C., & Yang, F. (2023). Do dance style and intervention duration matter in improving balance among people with Parkinson’s disease? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Parkinsonism & related disorders, 106, 105231. Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if dance could actually change your brain? Not just how you feel... but how your brain functions over time. In this video we break down a systematic review and meta-analysis (one of the highest levels of scientific evidence) to answer a powerful question: Can dance improve cognitive function and help protect against decline as we age?We’ll cover:What the research says about memory, attention, and executive functionWhy dance may stimulate neuroplasticityWhether dance is actually better than other forms of exerciseWhat this means for dancers, adults, and aging populationsThis isn’t just “exercise is good for you.” This is measurable, clinical data on how movement impacts the brain.Publication Discussed:Hewston P, Kennedy CC, Borhan S, Merom D, Santaguida P, Ioannidis G, Marr S, Santesso N, Thabane L, Bray S, Papaioannou A. Effects of dance on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age Ageing. 2021 Jun 28;50(4):1084-1092. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afaa270. PMID: 33338209. Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What actually happens to your feet after a long day of ballet… and can recovery shoes really help? I sit down with Kunal Moudgil, co-founder of Ance Recovery Sneakers, to break down the science behind recovery footwear, and what it means for dancers.We talk about:What “recovery” actually means for the bodyWhy your feet feel so sore after class or rehearsalThe role of compression, acupressure, and alignmentWide toe boxes, plantar fasciitis, and foot healthWhether recovery shoes are backed by science (yet 👀)The future of footwear for dancers and athletesIf you’ve ever come home from ballet with aching feet… or wondered how to support your body for longevity, this video is for you!Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] with Ance: WebsiteInstagramWant to try Ance recovery sneakers?Use this code for a special discount: ballet.science15Hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recently, a comment circulated online from actor Timothée Chalamet claiming that “no one cares about ballet.”Whether the remark was serious or joking, it sparked a lot of conversation in the dance world. Instead of debating the comment itself, this video asks a deeper question: Why should people care about ballet?When you look at ballet through the lenses of art, science, culture, and human movement, it becomes clear that ballet is much more than a niche performance genre. Ballet sits at a fascinating intersection of storytelling, music, athleticism, neuroscience, and human expression.In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, we explore why ballet matters not just to dancers... but to society as a whole.Topics include:Ballet as a universal storytelling languageThe power of live performance and orchestral musicBallet as elite human athletic performanceWhat biomechanics and neuroscience reveal about danceHow ballet training influences balance, coordination, and motor controlWhy supporting the arts matters for culture and societyBallet has endured for centuries because it connects art, movement, music, and emotion in a uniquely human way. And when societies support the arts... whether it's dance, film, theater, or music... they invest in creativity, imagination, and shared cultural experiences.Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠

Have you ever left ballet class feeling mentally exhausted... even if it wasn’t the most physically intense class? That’s not random!In this episode, we discuss the neuroscience behind ballet training and why your brain thrives on it.We explore:How the motor cortex initiates every movementThe cerebellum’s role in balance and precisionHow the basal ganglia automate choreographyNeuroplasticity and motor learning in actionWhy ballet is high-level cognitive multitaskingThe connection between dance, executive function, and healthy agingBallet isn’t just muscle training. It’s neural pathway training.From coordination and rhythm to memory and spatial awareness, ballet challenges multiple brain systems simultaneously, which is exactly why it can feel so mentally demanding.And across the lifespan? That complexity matters!Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠

Backstage is a Ballet Science bonus series featuring short reflections on lessons learned as a professional ballerina and ballet teacher, and how biomechanics and research later helped explain them. Quick insights at the intersection of studio experience and science.If ballet obviously improves balance… why do we need to study it in research?This is a question I receive often, especially when discussing research on ballet, balance, and fall prevention. Honestly, I understand the reaction. If you’ve trained in ballet or watched dancers move, the benefits can feel self-evident.In this episode, I explain why “obvious” isn’t the same as evidence... and why dance science research is essential if we want ballet to be respected in healthcare, injury prevention, aging research, and beyond.We cover:Why common sense isn’t scientific proofWhat research reveals about how ballet improves balanceWhy data matters in medicine and public healthHow research protects dancers from myths and injuryWhy ballet needs measurable evidence to scale its impactAs both a former professional ballerina and a PhD in biomechanics, I’ve lived on both sides... the studio and the lab. I truly believe ballet deserves a seat at the scientific table.Join the Ballet Science E-mail ListWatch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

What if ballet class is training more than your turnout?In this episode, Dr. Caroline Simpkins (former professional ballerina and PhD in biomechanics) breaks down the cardiovascular physiology of ballet.We explore:What happens to your heart during barre, center, adagio, and allegroWhy ballet counts as intermittent cardiovascular trainingHow stroke volume and cardiac output adapt over timeWhy even slow combinations increase heart demandThe connection between ballet, fall prevention, and healthy agingHow breath, posture, and emotion influence your cardiovascular systemBallet isn’t just aesthetic training. It challenges the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular systems simultaneously. Whether you're 16 or 60, your heart is adapting every time you step into class.Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠

A commercial airline pilot… and an adult ballet student!In today’s episode, I’m joined by Captain Christopher Marici to talk about his life in aviation, how he discovered adult ballet, and why he believes ballet is one of the most powerful long-term investments you can make for your body and brain.We discuss:What a pilot’s day-to-day is really likeThe mental load of the jobWhat it’s like to be a true beginner as an adultWhy adult ballet can be a “reset” after high-stress workIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with an adult dancer (or someone who’s been thinking about trying ballet)!⁠Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] with Christopher Marici:Instagram⁠Hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if the way you walk down the street could reveal whether you trained in ballet?In this episode, I break down my published research from the journal Gait & Posture, examining how ballet training influences walking biomechanics across the lifespan.Read the full publication here:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2026.110097We compared:Young professional ballet dancersOlder recreational ballet dancersYoung non-dancersOlder non-dancersUsing 3D motion capture and force plates, we analyzed: Walking speedStep length & cadenceStep widthGround reaction forcesPropulsive powerDynamic gait stabilitySo what does that mean for aging, fall risk, and long-term mobility?As a former professional ballerina and PhD in biomechanics, my goal is to bridge the gap between art and science, showing how ballet training influences movement far beyond the studio.Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠

What makes Orza ballet shoes different from a traditional ballet slipper?In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I’m joined by Seth and Sarah Orza (Pacific Northwest Ballet, New York City Ballet, School of American Ballet). After suffering an injury while dancing with New York City Ballet (NYCB), Seth Orza began adding padding to his ballet shoes to stay onstage. Noticing many dancers doing the same, he asked a simple question: Why hasn’t the ballet slipper evolved?That question led to the creation of ORZA Pro, a ballet shoe designed with integrated shock absorption and support, built to meet the demands of today’s dancers. What started as a personal solution is now helping dancers move more comfortably from class to rehearsal to performance.We discuss:How the Orza brand was born from real injury + performance needsHow their shoe integrates shock-absorbing tech without changing the ballet aestheticWhat testing they’ve done so far (including biomechanics + survey data)Why ballet footwear has stayed so traditional for so longShop Orza: Use code BALLETSCIENCE10 at checkout for 10% off your order!Connect with Orza:InstagramJoin the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠Website⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠

Pilates is everywhere in the dance world… but what actually makes it so effective for ballet dancers?In this episode, I’m joined by Kerry Shea, Pilates instructor at the School of American Ballet (NYC), to break down how Pilates supports alignment, core control, coordination, injury prevention, and performance... from young pre-professionals to seasoned pros.We cover:What is Pilates?What “the core” means for dancersWhy Pilates is especially helpful for hypermobilityHow SAB integrates Pilates into a holistic health + wellness modelCommon dancer patterns Pilates helps fixWhy “just doing more ballet” can reinforce dysfunctional patternsHow to start Pilates safely + what certifications to look for in an instructor🎧 Subscribe to the Ballet Science Podcast (YouTube, Apple, Spotify) for weekly episodes on biomechanics, injury prevention, adult ballet, anatomy, mindset, and the science behind dance.💬 Have more questions about Pilates? Leave them in the comments!Affiliate Links:Magic Circle⁠Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

Backstage is a Ballet Science bonus series featuring short reflections on lessons learned as a professional ballerina and ballet teacher, and how biomechanics and research later helped explain them. Quick insights at the intersection of studio experience and science.If you’ve ever wanted to try ballet as an adult... or you’ve started but something feels harder than it should... this video is for you.In this Ballet Science: Backstage episode, I break down five of the most common mistakes adult ballet students make. These are not failures... they’re completely normal patterns I see again and again as someone who teaches adult ballet and studies movement science.We talk about:Why intimidation keeps so many adults from ever startingHow the wrong class or teacher can make ballet feel impossibleWhy adult dancers often feel “behind” (and why that’s not true)The risks of forcing turnout, flexibility, or ballet “shape”Why ballet progress is not linear, especially for adultsFrom a biomechanics and motor learning perspective, adult dancers bring unique strengths to ballet: focus, body awareness, and the ability to understand complex movement concepts. Ballet doesn’t have to hurt, overwhelm you, or feel discouraging to be effective.🩰 Adult ballet is about working with your body, not against it. You don’t need to feel ready. You just need to begin.💬 If you’re on your own adult ballet journey, I’d love to hear your story in the comments.📌 And if there’s an adult ballet topic you want me to cover next, let me know!Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

If you are a dancer, chances are you’ve been told you have a bunion, you’re going to get a bunion, or you’ve spent way too much time staring at your big toe, wondering if that bump is “normal.”In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, we take a biomechanics-based look at bunions in ballet dancers.You will learn:What is a bunion?Why are bunions so common in ballet dancers?The difference between having a bunion and having bunion painHow ballet shoe and pointe shoe fit influences symptomsWhat dancers can realistically do to manage bunions and reduce irritationWe also talk about turnout mechanics, loading through the big toe, toe spacers, and why no single product or exercise can “fix” a bunion... but many strategies can help dancers stay comfortable and dancing longer.🎧 Subscribe to the Ballet Science Podcast (YouTube, Apple, Spotify) for weekly episodes on biomechanics, injury prevention, adult ballet, anatomy, mindset, and the science behind dance.💬 Have more questions about bunions? Leave them in the comments... your questions may shape future episodes.Toe Spacer Affiliate Links:https://amzn.to/49CHt73https://amzn.to/4qDqHe3https://amzn.to/3YZ7AyTJoin the Ballet Science E-mail ListWatch This Video On YouTube⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠X⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

Backstage is a Ballet Science bonus series featuring short reflections on lessons learned as a professional ballerina and ballet teacher, and how biomechanics and research later helped explain them. Quick insights at the intersection of studio experience and science.What happens when a professional ballet dancer starts a PhD?When I transitioned from a professional ballet career into a PhD in biomechanics, I expected the hardest part to be learning the science. What surprised me most was how different the pace, feedback, identity, and emotional experience of academia felt... and how little of that transition had to do with intelligence.In this Backstage episode, I share five things I wish I had known before starting my PhD after ballet, especially for dancers considering careers in science, research, or academia.You’ll learn:Why academic feedback feels painfully slow compared to balletHow identity shifts can feel unsettling, but aren’t failuresWhy dancers don’t need to “prove” they belong in academiaWhy missing the studio doesn’t mean you made the wrong choiceHow ballet training prepares you for research more than you realizeIf you’re a dancer navigating a nonlinear career path, transitioning out of the studio, or wondering whether science or graduate school is “for you,” this video is for you.💬 Have you made a transition from dance into academia or another field? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.Watch This Video On YouTube⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠X⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we will explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

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 Ballet Science Podcast episode, former professional ballerina and biomechanics PhD Caroline Simpkins breaks down how to start ballet as an adult from a science-based, body-respectful perspective.We cover:📌 Why ballet is absolutely accessible for adults📌 The neurological, balance, and strength benefits of ballet📌 How ballet supports health across the lifespan📌 How to choose the right adult beginner ballet class📌 What to wear (and what you don’t need)📌 What to expect in your very first ballet class📌 Why ballet is for all bodies (including men)📌 How often should adult beginners take classWhether you’re starting ballet for the very first time, returning after childhood training, or just ballet-curious, this episode will help you approach ballet in a way that supports your body instead of fighting it.🎧 Subscribe to the Ballet Science Podcast for weekly episodes on biomechanics, injury prevention, adult ballet, anatomy, mindset, and the science behind dance.💬 Have questions about adult ballet? Leave them in the comments... your questions may shape future episodes.Thinking of starting ballet as an adult, but too nervous or intimidated? Check out my NEW online course:Adult Ballet FundamentalsAffiliate Links:🩰 Adult Ballet Clothing IdeasWatch This Video On YouTubeConnect With Ballet Science:WebsiteInstagramFacebook XAmazon StorefrontE-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we will explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠Microphone⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

Backstage is a Ballet Science bonus series featuring short reflections on lessons learned as a professional ballerina, and how biomechanics and research later helped explain them. Quick insights at the intersection of studio experience and science.When people hear that I was a professional ballerina and later earned a PhD in biomechanics, they often assume those worlds couldn’t be more different. But the truth is, many of the skills that helped me succeed in academia were forged long before I ever stepped into a research lab.In this video, I share five powerful lessons ballet taught me... from discipline and feedback to patience, attention to detail, and resilience... and how those same skills translated directly into surviving and thriving in higher education.I’m Caroline Simpkins, a former professional ballerina with a PhD in biomechanics and the creator of Ballet Science, where I help bring science into the studio for dancers of all ages and abilities.Whether you’re a dancer considering an academic path, a performer transitioning careers, or someone navigating a nonlinear journey, this video is a reminder that your past experiences are not a liability... they’re an asset.Follow Ballet Science:⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠X

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. Instead of just “toughing it out,” this episode helps dancers understand blisters as a modifiable mechanical issue, not a weakness.In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, you will learn:What blisters actually are (biologically and mechanically)Why ballet dancers get blisters so frequentlyKey differences between toe blisters and heel blistersHow friction, moisture, repetition, and shoe design contributeSafe blister treatment strategies for dancersWhy pointe shoe fit is one of the biggest predictors of blister formationPractical prevention techniques, including toe taping, corn pads, and moisture managementBlister-Related Affiliate Links:Blister padsMasking tape Blister prevention tapeCorn padsWaterproof bandagesMoleskinThis discussion connects directly to previous Ballet Science episodes and interviews on pointe shoe biomechanics, shoe fitting, and foot mechanics, which are linked below:Josephine Lee (Pointe Shoe Fitting)Jessica Aquino (Pointe Shoe Biomechanics)🎧 Whether you’re a ballet student, professional dancer, teacher, or clinician, this episode will change how you think about foot pain and help you dance more comfortably and sustainably.Watch this episode video on YouTube👉 Follow for weekly episodes on ballet biomechanics, injury prevention, performance science, and movement across the lifespan.Follow Ballet Science:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookXHosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we will explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:MicrophonePop FilterMic StandPrompterLarge Key LightSmall Key LightEve Flare LightLogo Photo: Richard Calmes

Backstage is a Ballet Science bonus series featuring short reflections on lessons learned as a professional ballerina, and how biomechanics and research later helped explain them. Quick insights at the intersection of studio experience and science.I went from spending my days in a ballet studio to a biomechanics lab. While those worlds may seem completely different, getting a PhD taught me some surprising lessons... not just about science, but about my body, learning, failure, and performance.In this video, I share five things I learned from getting a PhD as a former professional ballerina, and how those lessons completely changed how I think about ballet training and movement.In this episode, I talk about:Why discipline is not the same as understandingHow failure is part of the learning process, not a verdictWhat biomechanics taught me about adaptability and anatomyWhy mental load and cognitive fatigue matter in dancersWhy ballet and science don’t compete... they belong togetherIf you’re a dancer, a student, or someone navigating a nonlinear career path, I hope this video reminds you that unconventional journeys aren’t a weakness... they’re a strength.Follow Ballet Science:WebsiteInstagramFacebookX

In 2025, I released 31 episodes of the Ballet Science Podcast covering anatomy, biomechanics, injury prevention, performance psychology, strength training, and research on ballet across the lifespan.In this year-in-review episode, I connect the dots among interviews, anatomy deep dives, and research discussions to show how they fit together. Think of this episode as a guided tour of Ballet Science... perfect if you’re new here and helpful if you’ve been listening all year.We revisit conversations with experts in dance medicine (Miko Fogarty), strength & conditioning (Shane Wuerthner & Kendall Baab), sports psychology (Lauren Ostrander McArdle), pointe shoe biomechanics (Jessica Aquino), and pointe shoe fitting (Josephine Lee), along with an anatomy series on the foot & ankle, knee, hip, and spine, and research on ballet and fall prevention, neurological health, gait, and nutrition. This episode is also a moment of gratitude. Ballet Science launched in June 2025, and the response from dancers, teachers, clinicians, researchers, and movement lovers has been incredibly meaningful.Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, student, clinician, or simply curious about how ballet works, this episode will help you navigate the podcast and decide what to explore next.Subscribe for weekly episodes on dance science, biomechanics, injury prevention, performance, and longevityLeave a comment with topics you’d love to hear in 2026Watch Full Video on YouTubeFollow Ballet Science:WebsiteInstagramFacebookXLogo Photo: Richard Calmes

Backstage is a Ballet Science bonus series featuring short reflections on lessons learned as a professional ballerina, and how biomechanics and research later helped explain them. Quick insights at the intersection of studio experience and science.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, the sacrifices it entailed, and what I learned along the way.In this video, you’ll learn:How I structured early morning, daytime, and late-night classesWhy I treated ballet like a non-negotiable jobHow I adjusted my course load during soloist and principal seasonsThe sacrifices no one talks about (socially and emotionally)Why managing energy, not just time, is critical for dancersHow protecting the body made everything else possibleI’m Caroline Simpkins, a former professional ballerina with a PhD in biomechanics and the creator of Ballet Science, where I help bring science into the studio to support dancers of all ages. If you’re a dancer balancing school, work, or another demanding passion (or thinking about how to structure your next chapter), I hope this gives you a realistic and encouraging perspective.Follow Ballet Science:Website: https://ballet.scienceInstagram: https://instagram.com/ballet.scienceFacebook: https://facebook.com/ballet.scienceX: https://x.com/ballet_science

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 dramatic movement, and (most importantly) why dancers can and do recover successfully.Using a physical spine model and her own personal recovery story, Caroline explains:What happens anatomically during a disc herniationWhy imaging findings don’t always equal painHow repetitive loading and movement patterns matter more than one “bad move”Why movement (done correctly) is essential for healingHow dancers can return to training with confidence and resilienceThis episode is designed to be visual, human, and hopeful... especially for dancers navigating fear, uncertainty, or a recent diagnosis.🎧 Listen to the Ballet Science Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify🩰 Follow for weekly science-based insights for dancers, teachers, and movers of all ages⚠️ Educational content only. Not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for individual care.Watch the Full Video on YouTubeBack Mechanic Book by Stuart McGill, PhD: https://amzn.to/4qtFsQbMy Favorite Lumbar Support Pillow: https://amzn.to/4jmxTsiHerniated Disc Model: https://amzn.to/49ak7EoFollow Ballet Science:Website: https://ballet.scienceInstagram: https://instagram.com/ballet.scienceFacebook: https://facebook.com/ballet.scienceX: https://x.com/ballet_science

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 ballet. We explore the difference between deep stabilizing muscles and global movers, why dancers tend to overgrip their backs and abs, and how this imbalance can limit technique and increase injury risk.You’ll learn:The role of deep stabilizers like the multifidus and transverse abdominisWhy gripping your erector spinae won’t give you a higher arabesqueHow ligaments and tendons protect (and sometimes fail) in extreme ballet rangesWhat really supports movements like arabesque, cambré, penché, and turnsWhy strength training is transformative for spinal health in dancersThis episode connects anatomy directly to real ballet technique, helping dancers move with more control, expressiveness, and longevity, without unnecessary strain.👉 Next episode: Herniated discs in dancers... what they are, why they happen, and how to return to dance safely.Watch the Video on YouTube🎧 Listen & Subscribe to the Ballet Science PodcastFollow Ballet Science:Website: https://ballet.scienceInstagram: https://instagram.com/ballet.scienceFacebook: https://facebook.com/ballet.scienceX: https://x.com/ballet_science

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 explains how each region... the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine... supports the technical demands of ballet.We’ll explore:• Why the spine’s natural curves improve posture• How vertebrae shape balance, turnout, arabesque height, and port de bras• Common movement compensations dancers make (and how to fix them)• What dancers need to know about thoracic mobility and lumbar control• Why a “straight spine” cue can actually harm your techniqueWhether you’re a dancer, teacher, or movement professional, this episode will help you understand how spinal structure influences alignment, artistry, and injury prevention.If you enjoy learning how science connects to dance, be sure to like, subscribe, and follow for weekly episodes. It helps Ballet Science reach more dancers and educators who want evidence-based insights to support technique, longevity, and performance.Watch the Video on YouTube⁠Follow Ballet Science:Website: https://ballet.scienceInstagram: https://instagram.com/ballet.science Facebook: https://facebook.com/ballet.science X: https://x.com/ballet_science

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.Using functional mobility tests, leg strength assessments, cognitive screening, and physical activity measures, this study explored how ballet may support strength, balance, power, coordination, and healthy aging.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why falls are such a major public-health issueHow ballet uniquely trains strength, balance, and neuromuscular controlHow older ballet dancers performed on sit-to-stand, timed-up-and-go, strength tests, and moreWhy dancers showed significantly better physical function than non-dancersWhy fall history alone doesn’t tell the full storyWhat this means for fall prevention programs and healthy agingThe next steps for ballet-based research and structured interventionsThis episode is perfect for dancers, teachers, older adults, clinicians, and anyone interested in how movement practices support long-term health.📄 Read the full publication: Simpkins C, Ahn J, Yang F. Recreational Ballet Practice Is Associated with Improved Fall Risk Factors in Older Adults. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/1089313X251380085Subscribe for weekly episodes connecting biomechanics, injury prevention, and dance science.Watch the Video on YouTubeFollow Ballet Science:Website: https://ballet.scienceInstagram: https://instagram.com/ballet.science Facebook: https://facebook.com/ballet.science X: https://x.com/ballet_science

Unlock what it really takes to build strong, resilient male ballet dancers, without “bulking up” or losing artistry. In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, 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 biggest misconceptions about lifting weights, why “just do push-ups” isn’t enough, and how to design smart, dancer-specific strength programs for partnering, jumps, turns, and overhead lifts. Shane also explains how to support young male dancers who feel intimidated stepping into the gym, how to introduce load and plyometrics safely during growth, and how strength training can help prevent common injuries to the back, knees, and Achilles.Looking ahead, we discuss how strength training for male dancers may evolve over the next decade in professional companies and schools, the importance of collaboration between teachers and strength coaches, and why anatomy and physiology education is so powerful for dancers.In this episode, we cover:The biggest myths male ballet dancers hear about strength trainingHow to design programs for partnering, overhead lifts, jumps & turnsWhy “muscle-bound” fears are often misunderstoodHow to support young men who are new (or nervous) in the gymCommon weaknesses and movement patterns in male ballet studentsHow smart strength training can reduce injury risk and improve longevityWhat the future of strength training in ballet could look likeFollow Ballet Science:Website: https://ballet.scienceInstagram: https://instagram.com/ballet.science Facebook: https://facebook.com/ballet.science X: https://x.com/ballet_scienceFollow Shane Wuerthner, Athletistry:Website: https://www.athletistry.au/Instagram: https://instagram.com/athletistryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/athletistryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthletistryofficialWatch Full Interview on YouTubeLogo Photo: Richard Calmes

Welcome to the Ballet Science Podcast, where we bring science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities perform their best on stage and off. In this episode, host Caroline Simpkins, PhD, 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 and professional performers.In this episode, we cover:Kendall’s journey from studio dancer to dance science and strength coachHow lifting weights improved her own dancing (goodbye, low back pain!)The lingering myth that strength training makes dancers “bulky” or less flexible, and why that’s not trueKey biomechanical benefits of strength training for ballet (balance, jumps, leg height, endurance)Why upper-body and core strength are essential for turns, jumps, and overall controlFoundational movement patterns every dancer should train (squat, lunge, hinge, push, pull, single-leg, carry, rotation)How strength work can help prevent chronic overuse injuries and support long-term career longevityWhat movement efficiency means in ballet and how coordination + strength improve performancePractical advice for dancers who are new to cross-training (bands, weights, gym confidence, simple starting routines)Why pointe work demands full-body strength, not just calf raises and TherabandsWhether you’re a ballet dancer, studio teacher, dance parent, or love the science behind movement, this episode will give you practical, evidence-informed insights you can use right away.Follow Kendall Baab:Website: https://www.bodykinect.org/Instagram: https://instagram.com/trainwithkendallYouTube: https://https://www.youtube.com/@trainwithkendallWatch Video on YouTubeLogo Photo: Richard Calmes

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, sports medicine, and performing arts medicine.We break down what “dead” pointe shoes really are, how Dr. Aquino measured differences using 3D motion capture, force plates, and EMG, and what those findings mean for stability, torque at the ankle, tibialis anterior activation, injury risk, and performance. You’ll hear practical guidance for dancers, teachers, and directors on when to retire a pair, why not to perform in a brand-new shoe, and how to think about break-in versus break-down.We also look ahead to pressure sensors, new materials (polymer shanks, 3D-printed options), and how sports-science methods can inform pointe shoe design, without losing the classical aesthetic.If you love evidence-based dance, hit Like and Subscribe for weekly episodes on biomechanics, injury prevention, mindset, and more. Share this with a dancer or teacher who needs it!Publication Discussed:Aquino, J., Amasay, T., Shapiro, S., Kuo, Y. T., & Ambegaonkar, J. P. (2021). Lower extremity biomechanics and muscle activity differ between ‘new’and ‘dead’pointe shoes in professional ballet dancers. Sports biomechanics, 20(4), 469-480. Follow Dr. Jessica Aquino:Instagram: @dr.beyondbarre Watch Video on YouTube⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

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 on stage.What you’ll learn:🧠 How Mindset Impacts Technique, Artistry, And Consistency😮‍💨 Tools For Performance Anxiety (Breathing, Self-Talk, Arousal Regulation)💪 Building Confidence That Isn’t Dependent On Casting Or External Validation🩹 Injury Psychology In Three Phases: Acute, Rehab, And Return-To-Dance📋 Ritual vs. Routine: Evidence-Based Steps To Perform At Your Best💎 Navigating Career Transitions And Dancer Identity After Retirement🎓 How To Find Qualified Mental Performance Help (What CMPC Means)Follow Lauren Ostrander McArdle:Instagram: @behindthecurtain.spp⁠Watch Video on YouTubeLogo Photo: Richard Calmes

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 pairs, when jet glue helps, and why a professional fitting—in person or virtual—matters. Plus: trends in materials and emerging tech.Follow The Pointe Shop:Website: https://thepointeshop.comInstagram: @thepointeshopFacebook: @thepointeshopYouTube: @thepointeshopWatch Full Interview on YouTubeLogo Photo: Richard Calmes

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 expert pointe-shoe fitting keeps dancers healthy. Plus: career transition advice, biomechanics insights, and clinician–teacher collaboration.Hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we will explore the intersection of science and ballet—from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between.If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Watch On YouTubeLogo Photo Credit: Richard CalmesPerformance Photos Provided Courtesy of Miko Fogarty

What muscles control turnout in ballet? Learn how the hip muscles, tendons, and ligaments work together to create turnout, stability, extension, and control... and why understanding them can help prevent injury. If you’ve ever struggled with turnout, hip tightness, or stability, this episode explains what’s happening inside your body and how to train smarter.Learn how the hip muscles create turnout (not your knees or feet), and the role of the hip flexors in leg lifts and extensions. Discover how the glutes and hamstrings power arabesque and jumps, and why the posterior chain is essential for strength and control. We also discuss how abductors and adductors stabilize balance and alignment, how tendons and ligaments support movement and prevent injury, and why mobility + stability balance is key for dancers.Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

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, and alignment — and why understanding your bone anatomy can help prevent injuries like hip impingement and labral tears. Perfect for dancers, teachers, and movement enthusiasts who want to move smarter, not harder.Throughout this episode, I’ll be referencing a physical model of the hip that I have with me in the studio. I highly recommend checking out the video version of this episode, so you can follow along visually and get the most out of today’s discussion. ⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, host Caroline Simpkins — 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 her top five favorite sessions, covering:Neurologic dance training as medicineScoliosis and dance injuriesMenopause and dancer health after 40New vs. dead pointe shoes and biomechanicsMusic, movement, and Parkinson’s rehabilitationThis episode is perfect for dancers, teachers, and anyone curious about how science and ballet intersect to improve health and performance.Visit the IADMS websiteCaroline Simpkins, Google ScholarLise Worthen-Chaudhari, Google ScholarWatch this episode on YouTubeLogo Photo: Richard Calmes

Why do ballet dancers, who train for hours daily, often face weaker bones and stress fractures? In this episode, we explore 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 injury risk, and how science can help protect bone health and extend dance careers.Publication discussed in this episode:Bladt, F., Varaeva, Y. R., Retter, G. J., Courtney, A., Holloway, P. A. H., Frost, G., ... & Abel, R. L. Pilot Study of Bone Turnover Biomarkers, Diet, and Exercise in Elite Female Ballet Dancers. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 1089313X251315812.Join the Ballet Science E-mail ListWatch this episode on YouTubeConnect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

Ballet is known for beauty, discipline, and control… but what’s happening behind the scenes? Today, we break down scientific research on mental health in professional ballet dancers. Discover the prevalence of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and sleep disturbances, and what these findings reveal about the pressures of elite performance environments.Learn why sleep is critical for both mental health and performance, and how coping skills can protect dancers. We also discuss why stigma prevents dancers from seeking help, and what ballet companies can do to better support dancers.Publication discussed:Junge, A., & Hauschild, A. (2025). Prevalence of Mental Health Problems and their Potential Association with Sleep Disturbance, Coping Skills and Social Support in Professional Ballet Dancers. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 29(2), 106-115.Join the Ballet Science E-mail ListWatch this episode on YouTubeConnect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logo photo: Richard Calmes

Discover the vital role of the menisci in knee anatomy and why they matter for dancers. In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, former ballerina turned researcher Caroline Simpkins explains how the menisci support shock absorption, stability, and injury prevention, essential knowledge for dancers, athletes, and anyone who moves.Throughout this episode, I’ll be referencing a physical model of the knee that I have with me in the studio. I highly recommend checking out the video version of this episode, so you can follow along visually and get the most out of today’s discussion. ⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

What do the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the knee actually do, and why are they so important for dancers? In this Ballet Science Podcast episode, Caroline Simpkins breaks down how these soft tissues work together to power movement, protect the knee, and prevent injuries. You’ll learn how quad dominance develops, why hamstring and glute strength matter, how tendon overuse leads to jumper’s knee, what the ACL, MCL, and other ligaments really do, and why forcing turnout from the knees is a recipe for injury. Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, or just curious about movement science, this episode gives you practical tools for performance, strength, and long-term joint health.Throughout this episode, I’ll be referencing a physical model of the knee that I have with me in the studio. I highly recommend checking out the video version of this episode, so you can follow along visually and get the most out of today’s discussion. ⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

Discover the inner workings of the knee joint in dancers with the Ballet Science Podcast! In this episode, Caroline Simpkins breaks down the bones of the knee, the femur, tibia, and patella, as well as the menisci, cartilage, and growth plates. Learn how proper alignment, technique, and body awareness protect your knees, prevent injuries, and support long-term movement health. Perfect for dancers, teachers, and anyone curious about anatomy in motion.Throughout this episode, I’ll be referencing a physical model of the knee that I have with me in the studio. I highly recommend checking out the video version of this episode, so you can follow along visually and get the most out of today’s discussion. Watch this episode on YouTubeLogo Photo: Richard Calmes

Dive into the anatomy of the foot and ankle with Ballet Science! In this episode, we explore the key muscles, tendons, and ligaments that keep your feet strong, balanced, and injury-free. Learn about the gastrocnemius and soleus (calf muscles), peroneals, tibialis anterior, intrinsic foot muscles, Achilles tendon, FHL tendon, extensor tendons, ATFL, deltoid ligament, and plantar fascia. Perfect for dancers, athletes, and anyone interested in foot mechanics, injury prevention, and improving stability and control.Throughout this episode, I’ll be referencing a physical model of the foot and ankle that I have with me in the studio. I highly recommend checking out the video version of this episode, so you can follow along visually and get the most out of today’s discussion. ⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠Logo photo: Richard Calmes

Explore the incredible structure of the human foot with Ballet Science! In this episode, Caroline Simpkins, former ballerina turned researcher, breaks down the 26 bones of the foot, including the hindfoot (talus and calcaneus), midfoot (navicular, cuboid, and cuneiforms), and forefoot (metatarsals and phalanges).Learn about the medial, lateral, and transverse arches, the sesamoid bones, and how foot alignment impacts balance, jump power, and overall performance in dance. Perfect for dancers, teachers, and movement enthusiasts seeking to enhance their technique, prevent injury, and comprehend the biomechanics behind every step, jump, and pointe.Throughout this episode, I’ll be referencing a physical model of the foot and ankle that I have with me in the studio. I highly recommend checking out the video version of this episode, so you can follow along visually and get the most out of today’s discussion. Watch this episode on YouTubeLogo photo: Richard Calmes

In this episode, I share my journey with papillary thyroid cancer, which began while I was still dancing professionally and preparing to dance the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Now, as a researcher and a cancer survivor, I want to help others recognize the early signs and know what to expect if they receive a papillary thyroid cancer diagnosis.Watch this episode on YouTubeLogo photo: Richard Calmes

In today's special episode, we reflect on a major moment in the dance world.  After nearly thirty years of unforgettable performances, the great ballerina Gillian Murphy has taken her final bow with American Ballet Theatre, marking the end of a truly extraordinary era.Gillian's retirement closes a chapter defined by technical brilliance, emotional intensity, and a stage presence that left an indelible mark on ballet. Her final performance in Swan Lake was far more than a farewell; it was a living masterclass in grace, endurance, and transformation.Watch this episode on YouTube (including my video footage from Gillian Murphy's final curtain call)Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

Dance is a world of strength, artistry, and discipline… but behind the scenes, there are real challenges that don’t get talked about enough. Today I break down new research on body image, nutrition knowledge, and eating behaviors in collegiate dancers.Here’s what the study found:Many dancers lack basic nutrition knowledgeA significant percentage are at risk for disordered eatingBody image perception is often inaccurateMost dancers rely on peers or social media for nutrition adviceWe also discuss:Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)Why nutrition education matters for performance AND health\How dance programs can better support dancersWhat dancers, teachers, and parents should take away from thisThis is an important conversation for anyone in the dance world.Publication discussed in this episode:Douglas, C. C., Shahan, M., Camel, S. P., & Vogel, S. (2024). Negative Body Image and Limited Nutrition Knowledge among Collegiate Dancers Signals Need for Screening and Support. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 1089313X241297770.⁠Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logo photo: Richard Calmes

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 ballet.Publication discussed in this episode:Aquino, J., Amasay, T., Shapiro, S., Kuo, Y. T., & Ambegaonkar, J. P. (2021). Lower extremity biomechanics and muscle activity differ between ‘new’and ‘dead’pointe shoes in professional ballet dancers. Sports biomechanics, 20(4), 469-480.Watch this episode on YouTubeLogo photo: Richard Calmes

Can ballet help improve balance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS)? This video explores a fascinating research study investigating how a targeted ballet training program may help reduce ataxia and improve balance in individuals with mild to moderate MS. This research highlights how ballet can be more than an art form... it may also serve as a powerful tool for rehabilitation and neurological training. Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system, often impairing coordination, balance, and walking ability. Researchers wanted to explore whether the structured movement patterns of classical ballet could help retrain motor control and improve neurological function.Publication discussed:Scheidler, A. M., Kinnett-Hopkins, D., Learmonth, Y. C., Motl, R., & López-Ortiz, C. (2018). Targeted ballet program mitigates ataxia and improves balance in females with mild-to-moderate multiple sclerosis. Plos one, 13(10), e0205382.⁠Join the Ballet Science E-mail ListWatch this episode on YouTubeConnect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logo photo: Richard Calmes

How do ballet dancers walk compared to non-dancers? In this episode, we break down the biomechanics of gait, balance, and stability using real research. Explore findings from my own study comparing professional ballet dancers to non-dancers during normal walking.You’ll learn how ballet training influences step length, step width, walking speed, cadence, and dynamic gait stability... and what that means for balance and fall risk. This episode is perfect for dancers, teachers, clinicians, and anyone interested in movement science, injury prevention, and performance.Research Publication:Simpkins, C., & Yang, F. (2024). Dynamic gait stability and spatiotemporal gait parameters during overground walking in professional ballet dancers. Journal of dance medicine & science, 28(1), 28-36.Watch this episode on YouTube⁠⁠Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Ballet Science:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-mail: [email protected] by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.Filming Equipment Affiliate Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logo photo: Richard Calmes