What connects the disciplined world of ballet with the adrenaline rush of mountain biking and the expressive art of pole dancing? For physiotherapist Fiona Drewbrook, it's the intensity, precision, and pure joy of movement that ties these seemingly disparate practices together.
From bleeding into pointe shoes while maintaining perfect form to conquering three mountains in a single day on her bike, Fiona brings the same all-in approach to every physical challenge she undertakes. Her journey from professional ballet dancer to physiotherapist reveals how early movement education can shape our relationship with our bodies for life.
Susannah and Fiona explore the misconceptions about ballet ("it's not just tutus and looking pretty") and how the discipline prepared Fiona for both extreme sports and her healthcare career. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Fiona describes discovering pole dancing after years away from dance—finding in it something profoundly healing: a movement community that genuinely celebrates all body types.
This appreciation for diverse bodies directly influences Fiona's approach as a physiotherapist. She emphasizes building trust with clients, providing education, and helping people develop agency over their physical health. "If we can give people the tools where they can learn how to self-manage their conditions, I love that," she explains, noting that movement education now builds resilience for our later years.
Fiona's story offers inspiration and practical wisdom about finding joy through movement at any stage of life. As she aptly demonstrates, our bodies are made to move—and celebrating that capacity might take us to surprising places.
Where to Find Fiona!
Fiona Drewbrook - On Instagram
Book a Physiotherapy Appointment with Fiona Drewbrook
Fiona Pole Dancing - On Instagram
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Heart of Motion Podcast host Susannah Steers is a Pilates & Integrated Movement Specialist and owner of Moving Spirit Pilates in North Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about movement, about connections and about life.
Through movement teaching, speaking, and facilitating workshops, she supports people in creating movement practices that promote fitness from the inside out. She loves building community, and participating in multi-disciplinary collaborations.
Along with her friend and colleague Gillian McCormick, Susannah also co-hosts The Small Conversations for a Better World podcast – an interview based podcast dedicated to promoting the kind of conversations about health that can spark positive change in individuals, families, communities and across the globe.
Social Media Links:
Moving Spirit Pilates Instagram
Moving Spirit Pilates Facebook
Susannah Steers Instagram