Shows
Ballet ScienceSpine Anatomy For Dancers | Muscles, Tendons, LigamentsYour 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 lear...
2025-12-2108 minBallet ScienceSpine Anatomy For Dancers | BonesYour 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 vertebra...
2025-12-1408 minBallet ScienceDoes Ballet Help Older Adults Reduce Fall Risk?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 fa...
2025-12-0713 minBallet ScienceBuilding Strong Male Ballet Dancers | Shane WuerthnerUnlock 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 i...
2025-11-3058 minBallet ScienceStrength Training Benefits For Ballet Dancers | Kendall BaabWelcome 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:Ke...
2025-11-2359 minBallet SciencePointe Shoes: The Athletic Shoes of Ballet | Dr. Jessica AquinoFrom 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 ankl...
2025-11-1640 minBallet ScienceSports Psychology for Dancers | Lauren Ostrander McArdle on Confidence, Mindset & PerformanceFormer 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 Valida...
2025-11-091h 11Ballet ScienceMastering Pointe Shoe Fitting | Josephine Lee (The Pointe Shop)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.comI...
2025-11-0235 minBallet ScienceMiko Fogarty’s Journey from Ballet Dancer to Podiatry DoctorFormer 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 ag...
2025-10-2646 minBallet ScienceHip Anatomy for Dancers | Muscles, Tendons, & Ligaments ExplainedWelcome to The Ballet Science Podcast, where we bring science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities perform their best—both on stage and off. In this episode, host Caroline Simpkins, a former ballerina turned researcher, continues our series on hip anatomy and explores the soft tissues that power every ballet movement—muscles, tendons, and ligaments.You’ll learn how the hip flexors, extensors, abductors, adductors, and deep rotators work together to create turnout, extension, balance, and control. Caroline breaks down how the glutes, hamstrings, and rotator muscles stabilize the pelvis...
2025-10-1913 minBallet ScienceHip Anatomy For Dancers | Bones ExplainedWelcome 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...
2025-10-1208 minBallet ScienceBallet Science & Dance Medicine: IADMS 2025 Conference HighlightsIn 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 dancer...
2025-10-0514 minBallet ScienceBone Health & Remodeling in Ballet Dancers | Evidence-Based InsightsWhy do ballet dancers, who train for hours daily, often face weaker bones and stress fractures? In this Ballet Science podcast episode, Caroline Simpkins explores 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...
2025-09-2809 minBallet ScienceProfessional Ballet & Mental Health: Science-Based InsightsDiscover the mental health challenges faced by professional ballet dancers in this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast. We dive into depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and sleep disturbances, exploring how high-pressure dance environments impact emotional well-being. Discover the latest research findings, practical strategies for coping, and ways dance companies can support their dancers’ mental health.Publication discussed in this episode: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.
2025-09-2110 minBallet ScienceKnee Anatomy for Dancers: Menisci ExplainedDiscover 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 to...
2025-09-1409 minBallet ScienceKnee Anatomy for Dancers | Muscles, Tendons, & Ligaments ExplainedWhat 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 e...
2025-09-0718 minBallet ScienceKnee Anatomy for Dancers | Bones ExplainedDiscover 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 ch...
2025-08-3109 minBallet ScienceFoot & Ankle Anatomy for Dancers | Muscles, Tendons, & Ligaments ExplainedDive 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...
2025-08-2413 minBallet ScienceFoot & Ankle Anatomy for Dancers | Bones ExplainedExplore 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.
2025-08-1711 minBallet ScienceDancing Through Thyroid CancerIn 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
2025-08-1014 minBallet ScienceGillian Murphy's Final Swan Lake at American Ballet TheatreIn 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 e...
2025-08-0313 minBallet ScienceCollege Dancers: Body Image Struggles & Nutrition KnowledgeToday, we’re diving into a powerful piece of research that takes a closer look at how body image and nutrition knowledge intersect in the lives of collegiate dancers.The study we’re exploring is called “Negative Body Image and Limited NutritionKnowledge among Collegiate Dancers Signals Need for Screening and Support.” It was published in the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science in 2024, and it brings up some eye-opening findings that are worth discussing.Publication discussed in this episode:Douglas, C. C., Shahan, M., Camel, S. P., & Vogel, S. (2024...
2025-07-2710 minBallet ScienceNew vs Dead Pointe Shoes: Injury & Performance EffectsDiscover 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.
2025-07-2011 minBallet ScienceWhen Are Dancers Ready for Pointe? Science-Backed InsightsDiscover 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 early pointe training. Learn how age, strength, balance, and alignment impact a dancer’s ability to safely go on pointe, and why a gradual, well-monitored approach is essential.Drawing on a 2022 systematic review in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, this episode highlights res...
2025-06-2222 min
Journal of NeurophysiologyJNP Micro Podcasts: Enhancing Balance: How Ballet Practice Boosts Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Responses to Slips in Older AdultsIn this episode of the Journal of Neurophysiology's Podcast Series, coauthor Caroline Simpkins discusses the research titled "Ballet Practice Improves Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Responses to an Unexpected Standing-Slip in Older Adults." This study is the first to examine how older ballet dancers respond to an unexpected external slip while standing. Caroline shares fascinating findings that reveal how older ballet dancers have a reduced fall risk compared to their nondancer peers. This improved stability is attributed to quicker neuromuscular reactions, allowing dancers to execute a more effective recovery step and maintain greater balance against backward falls. Tune in to learn how ba...
2025-01-0907 min
KUCI: Film SchoolEdge of Everything / Film School Radio interview with Co-directors Sophia Sobella & Pablo FeldmanStraddling the line between childhood and adulthood, 14 isn’t an easy age for anyone, least of all Abby (Sierra McCormick, The Vast of Night), who’s forced to find her way in the world after her mother’s death. On the cusp of turning 15 and at a delicate moment in life, she’s forced to move in with her father (Jason Butler Harner, Ozark) and his younger girlfriend (Sabina Friedman-Seitz). Feeling alone in the world, the angry and determined teen strikes up a possibly dangerous friendship with the carefree and rebellious Caroline (Ryan Simpkins, The Fear Street Trilogy, The House), while expl...
2024-06-2516 min
Staggering Stories - Every Podcast Ever!Staggering Stories Podcast #155: The Ranking of DoomSummary:
Adam J Purcell, Andy Simpkins, Fake Keith, Jean Riddler, the Real Keith Dunn and Scott Fuller continue cataloguing their favourite Doctor Who stories and a variety of other stuff, specifically:
00:00 – Intro and theme tune.
01:22 — Welcome!
02:37 – News:
02:46 — Doctor Who: Peter Jackson names his price.
04:08 — Firefly: Joss Whedon too busy to Kickstart.
06:59 — Doctor Who: Caroline Skinner: GONE!
10:22 — James Herbert: DEAD!
12:35 — Karen Gillan: Joins Adult Swim’s NTSF:SD:SUV.
14:22 — Doctor Who: Offical web site is a cesspit of spoilers.
15:52 — Justin Bieber: YouTube videos of death.
16:38 – Things in Five Words.
22:47 – Doctor Who: Favourite stories for each Doctor.
82:16 – Emails and listener feedback.* Hit us y...
2013-03-311h 59
Staggering Stories Regular PodcastsStaggering Stories Podcast #155: The Ranking of DoomSummary:
Adam J Purcell, Andy Simpkins, Fake Keith, Jean Riddler, the Real Keith Dunn and Scott Fuller continue cataloguing their favourite Doctor Who stories and a variety of other stuff, specifically:
00:00 – Intro and theme tune.
01:22 — Welcome!
02:37 – News:
02:46 — Doctor Who: Peter Jackson names his price.
04:08 — Firefly: Joss Whedon too busy to Kickstart.
06:59 — Doctor Who: Caroline Skinner: GONE!
10:22 — James Herbert: DEAD!
12:35 — Karen Gillan: Joins Adult Swim’s NTSF:SD:SUV.
14:22 — Doctor Who: Offical web site is a cesspit of spoilers.
15:52 — Justin Bieber: YouTube videos of death.
16:38 – Things in Five Words.
22:47 – Doctor Who: Favourite stories for each Doctor.
82:16 – Emails and listener feedback.* Hit us y...
2013-03-311h 59Staggering Stories Podcast – Staggering Stories PodcastStaggering Stories Podcast #155: The Ranking of DoomSummary:
Adam J Purcell, Andy Simpkins, Fake Keith, Jean Riddler, the Real Keith Dunn and Scott Fuller continue cataloguing their favourite Doctor Who stories and a variety of other stuff, specifically:
00:00 – Intro and theme tune.
01:22 — Welcome!
02:37 – News:
02:46 — Doctor Who: Peter Jackson names his price.
04:08 — Firefly: Joss Whedon too busy to Kickstart.
06:59 — Doctor Who: Caroline Skinner: GONE!
10:22 — James Herbert: DEAD!
12:35 — Karen Gillan: Joins Adult Swim’s NTSF:SD:SUV.
14:22 — Doctor Who: Offical web site is a cesspit of spoilers.
15:52 — Justin Bieber: YouTube videos of death.
16:38 – Things in Five Words.
22:47 – Doctor Who: Favourite stories for each Doctor.
82:16 – Emails and listener feedback.* Hit us y...
2013-03-311h 59Staggering Stories - Every Podcast Ever!Staggering Stories Podcast #136: Staggering Stories Live 2012!Summary:
Adam J Purcell, Andy Simpkins, Fake Crumbly, Fake Keith, Jean Riddler and the Real Keith Dunn with special guests Luke Harrison and Siobhan Gallichan play the Doctor Who Trivia Smack Down Quiz, indulge in a very personal Fight Club, find some general news and a variety of riotous live behaviour (NOTE: with some bad language!), specifically:
00:00 – Intro and theme tune.
00:49 — Welcome!
02:39 – News:
03:05 — Doctor Who: Caroline John – Dead!
04:46 — Staggering Stories: We invaded Cardiff – Live!
06:68 – Doctor Who Trivia Smackdown.
35:55 – Fight Club: Jean vs. Fake Keith.
37:57 – 30 Second Recommendation: Kate Griffin’s The Minority Council novel.
41:12 – Farewell for this podcast!
42:03 — End theme, disclaimer, cop...
2012-07-0842 minStaggering Stories Regular PodcastsStaggering Stories Podcast #136: Staggering Stories Live 2012!Summary:
Adam J Purcell, Andy Simpkins, Fake Crumbly, Fake Keith, Jean Riddler and the Real Keith Dunn with special guests Luke Harrison and Siobhan Gallichan play the Doctor Who Trivia Smack Down Quiz, indulge in a very personal Fight Club, find some general news and a variety of riotous live behaviour (NOTE: with some bad language!), specifically:
00:00 – Intro and theme tune.
00:49 — Welcome!
02:39 – News:
03:05 — Doctor Who: Caroline John – Dead!
04:46 — Staggering Stories: We invaded Cardiff – Live!
06:68 – Doctor Who Trivia Smackdown.
35:55 – Fight Club: Jean vs. Fake Keith.
37:57 – 30 Second Recommendation: Kate Griffin’s The Minority Council novel.
41:12 – Farewell for this podcast!
42:03 — End theme, disclaimer, cop...
2012-07-0842 minStaggering Stories Podcast – Staggering Stories PodcastStaggering Stories Podcast #136: Staggering Stories Live 2012!Summary:
Adam J Purcell, Andy Simpkins, Fake Crumbly, Fake Keith, Jean Riddler and the Real Keith Dunn with special guests Luke Harrison and Siobhan Gallichan play the Doctor Who Trivia Smack Down Quiz, indulge in a very personal Fight Club, find some general news and a variety of riotous live behaviour (NOTE: with some bad language!), specifically:
00:00 – Intro and theme tune.
00:49 — Welcome!
02:39 – News:
03:05 — Doctor Who: Caroline John – Dead!
04:46 — Staggering Stories: We invaded Cardiff – Live!
06:68 – Doctor Who Trivia Smackdown.
35:55 – Fight Club: Jean vs. Fake Keith.
37:57 – 30 Second Recommendation: Kate Griffin’s The Minority Council novel.
41:12 – Farewell for this podcast!
42:03 — End theme, disclaimer, cop...
2012-07-0842 minBallet ScienceBallet & Fall Prevention: How Ballet Training Improves BalanceWelcome to the Ballet Science Podcast! I’m Caroline Simpkins, a former ballerina turned researcher. In this first episode of our three-part series on ballet and fall prevention, we explore how ballet training can enhance balance, stability, and overall fall risk reduction for dancers and movers of all ages.We’ll cover:Why falls are a major concern, especially for older adultsHow ballet strengthens balance, lower body muscles, and core stabilityMy personal research journey and inspiration behind studying ballet and fallsOver the next two episodes, we’ll dive into m...
1970-01-0111 minBallet ScienceFrom Pointe Shoes to PhD: Caroline Simpkins | Podcast TrailerWelcome to the Ballet Science Podcast! In this premiere episode, former professional ballerina and researcher Caroline Simpkins, PhD, shares her journey from dancing in pointe shoes to earning a PhD in kinesiology and launching a podcast that bridges the worlds of ballet and science.Learn how Caroline’s experience as a professional dancer and ballet teacher inspired her research on fall prevention and biomechanics, and how this podcast will explore the science behind ballet, injury prevention, nutrition, mindset, and movement for dancers of all ages and levels.Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, student, or j...
1970-01-0104 minBallet ScienceBallet & Fall Prevention: How Dancers Recover from Unexpected SlipsIn 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 slipsDifferences between dancers and non-dancers in balance, trunk control, and recovery stepsWhat a pilot study is and why it’s important for larger researchHow ballet training may enhance reactive balance and reduce fall riskThis research provides early evidence that ballet training strengthens stability, trunk control, and adaptive balance responses, which could benefit anyone at risk of falls, including older ad...
1970-01-0123 minBallet ScienceBallet for Fall Prevention: How Older Adults Can Improve BalanceJoin 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 control, and muscle activation, and discover why dance could be a fun and effective approach to fall prevention.🎧 What you'll learn in this episode:How ballet dancers outperform non-dancers in slip recoveryThe importance of backward recovery steps and trunk controlEMG findings showing faster mus...
1970-01-0129 minBallet ScienceWhen Is a Dancer Ready for Pointe? Ballet Teacher & Science InsightsJoin the Ballet Science Podcast with Caroline Simpkins, former ballerina and researcher, as we wrap up our two-part series on pointe readiness. 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 strengthAnkle mobility and alignmentTechnical proficiency and years of trainingEmotional maturity and focusThe pointe shoe fitting processFirst-year goals for safe and confident pointe trainingAdvice for dancers starting ballet later in lifeThe important role parents play in supporting their child’s jo...
1970-01-0119 minBallet ScienceHow Ballet Dancers Walk: Gait, Balance & BiomechanicsDiscover 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 balance, stability, and fall prevention. Perfect for dancers, movement enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the science behind human movement.Publication discussed in this episode:Simpkins, C., & Yang, F. (2024). Dynamic gait stability and spatiotemporal gait parameters during overground walking in...
1970-01-0115 minBallet ScienceBallet & Multiple Sclerosis: Improving Balance and MobilityDiscover 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 to enhance mobility and overall well-being. Perfect for dancers, therapists, or anyone interested in movement-based rehabilitation. Publication discussed in this episode:Scheidler, A. M., Kinnett-Hopkins, D., Learmonth, Y. C., Motl, R., & López-Ortiz, C. (2018). T...
1970-01-0112 min