Ballet Science

What happens when an accomplished ballet dancer decides to leave the stage... and pursue medicine instead? In this Ballet Science Encore episode, I'm revisiting one of the most valuable conversations from the Ballet...

Ballet training can be an exciting (but often complicated) journey for dancers and their families. In this episode, I’m joined by Brett and Jenny from Ballet Help Desk, who share insights from their experiences as...

What does great ballet training look like... and how should dancers develop from their earliest classes through pre-professional training? In this episode, I’m joined by legendary ballet educator Darla Hoover (Central...

What should dancers eat before ballet class? How much should they be eating? What about carbohydrates, hydration, recovery, and snacks during long rehearsals?In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Fine, RDN , a...

Can ballet support recovery after breast cancer? A new qualitative research study explored the experiences of women who participated in a 16-week classical ballet program after breast cancer treatment. Rather than...

Is it "normal" for ballet dancers to lose their periods? A new 2025 study of elite dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet found that 71% had experienced at least one menstrual cycle disorder during their careers. In this...

Professional ballet dancers perform incredible athletic feats every day... but what happens when a head injury threatens their career? In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Shealy , a professional dancer with...

Should male ballet dancers lift weights? Strength training has become increasingly common in the ballet world, but many dancers still worry that lifting weights will make them bulky, reduce flexibility, or negatively...

Professional ballet careers are incredibly rewarding... but they are also short. What happens when the curtain finally closes? In this episode, I sit down with Aurora Dickie , soloist with Staatsballett Berlin and...

Can being too flexible actually increase your risk of injury? Many dancers are praised for their flexibility, but hypermobility isn't always an advantage. In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I sit down with...

Kathryn Morgan is one of the most recognizable names in ballet education, but behind her successful career lies a story of resilience, advocacy, and overcoming a life-changing health diagnosis. In this episode of the...

Have you ever wondered what is actually happening inside a pointe shoe? In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I sit down with Christine Fernandez and Kaitlyn Kumar, co-founders of PointeSense , a wearable...

Can hypermobility help ballet dancers... or increase injury risk? In this episode, we explore the science of hypermobility and its role in ballet training. Learn the difference between flexibility and hypermobility, why...

<p>Can dance improve mental and physical health during menopause? In this episode, we explore a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effects of dance interventions on perimenopausal, menopausal, and...

<p>Why do ballerinas destroy brand new pointe shoes before dancing in them? In this episode, we explore the fascinating science, biomechanics, and artistry behind breaking in pointe shoes. </p><p><br></p><p>From bending...