Explore every episode of the podcast The Dance Physio Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 153: Creating a Healthy Team Culture with Dr Chelsea Pierotti | 13 oct. 2026 | 00:42:09 | |
On the podcast, we spend a lot of time talking about the physical health of dancers. This week's podcast shifts gears just a little bit to focus more on the mental side of health and wellness. And I couldn't think of a better guest to have on than former professional ballet dancer turned sports psychologist Dr. Chelsea Pierotti. In this episode, we discuss creating healthy studio and team cultures in the dance world. Dr. Pierotti shares how focusing on process oriented goals, celebrating small wins and normalizing rest & recovery can help contribute to healthy cultures. About Chelsea: Outside of coaching, Chelsea also has a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology and is a Teaching Associate Professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Chelsea currently runs a company providing online and in-person educational resources for dancers and dance educators where her mission is to create happier, more successful dancers, through positive mental skills. She specializes in many areas of mental toughness including confidence, resilience, motivation, mindset, and leadership. Connect with Chelsea: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 152: The Benefits of Dance for Adult Populations | 06 oct. 2026 | 00:24:50 | |
Dance has powerful health benefits, especially for adult populations. In this episode, we dive into the physical benefits, the mental & cognitive benefits and the social & emotional benefits of dance and how they stack up against other physical activities when it comes to preventative health. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 151: Strength Training vs Dance Specific Training for Dancers | 29 sept. 2026 | 00:26:27 | |
Most people within the dance industry are now starting to understand and accept the importance of strength training for dancers. But a lot of what we see presented as 'strength' training may not actually fit the criteria. In this episode, we explore the difference between strength training and dance specific conditioning and discuss when we might consider using one vs the other. Resources: Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 150: Knee Meniscus Injuries in Dancers | 22 sept. 2026 | 00:35:22 | |
In this episode we discuss all things related to meniscus injuries in dance. You'll learn what the meniscus is, why it's important for the function of the knee, as well as common ways that dancers can injure their meniscus. We also discuss different types of meniscus injuries, how to diagnose and treat them, and finally what rehabilitation from meniscal injuries looks like. Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 149: Pathways into Dance Medicine | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:20:46 | |
More and more dancers are interested in careers in and around dance medicine, but relatively little information exists about pathways into these careers. In this episode, I discuss some of the options for dancers who are interested in pursuing dance medicine and science pathways for post secondary education. Resources: Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 148: How to Navigate Dance Injuries | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:36:20 | |
Unfortunately injuries are a common occurrence in the dance industry, but knowing what to do when one occurs can make an uncertain or scary situation a bit more manageable. In this episode, I answer the question of who to go see when an injury occurs, as well as what sort of questions you should be asking your healthcare provider and the information you should be equipped with when you leave your appointment. Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 147: Your Questions, Answered - Part 4 | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:36:48 | |
Back by popular demand, another Q&A style episode. In part 4 of this series, we tackle questions like
Have a question you want answered on a future episode? Send me an email or a DM on social media and I'll add it to the list for next time! Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 146: Start Your Season Strong | 25 août 2026 | 00:38:54 | |
The start of the new dance season is just around the corner, and with it comes an increase in early season dance injuries. On this week's episode we're discussing why we see a spike in injuries at the beginning of the season, what dancer's should be doing NOW (ie before the season starts) to prepare their body, and what they should be doing the first 4-6 weeks of the season to make sure your season isn't derailed by injury when it's just getting started. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 145: Reflections from the Calgary Dance Teacher Expo | 18 août 2026 | 00:29:09 | |
A bit of a different podcast episode this week as I've recently returned from the Calgary Dance Teacher Expo and I wanted to share some of the my experience and reflections on the event. Have a listen to hear about the expo, what I thought about both exhibiting and presenting, as well as my key take-aways from the event. Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 144: Thinking Beyond RED-S for Dancer Health with Dr Stephanie Potreck | 11 août 2026 | 00:57:35 | |
In this week's podcast episode, I am fortunate to sit down with Dr Stephanie Potreck from AusDancersOverseas. Dr. Potreck is a sports nutritionist and expert in the field of low energy availability and especially how it affects dancers health and performance. In this conversation, we discuss her journey in the dance world and transition into medicine, how the field is rapidly changing, and whether RED-S/RED-D exists as a separate entity or whether it is tied to the larger picture of stress physiology/allostatic load. *disclaimer: please be aware that this episode discusses topics including eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image. Some of the discussions may be triggering for individuals currently struggling with or in recovery* About Stephanie: Her clinical and research interests include low energy availability, eating disorders, stress physiology, female athlete health and the unique demands of dance. She is particularly interested in the overlap between REDs, allostatic load and the broader neuroendocrine adaptations seen in athletes under chronic physical and psychological stress. Stephanie is passionate about translating science into practical conversations that empower dancers, clinicians and educators to ask better questions; not just arrive at faster answers Connect with Stephanie: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 143: Balance Training for Dancers | 04 août 2026 | 00:34:27 | |
Balance is a complex task that requires skilled practice, especially at the level required by dancers. Simply standing on one leg in a static passé or relevé position is often not enough to see the improvements most dancers are looking for. In this episode, I break down the 3 major components of balance, and why understanding what is affecting our balance is the key to training it effectively. Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 142: 5 Things That Could Be Limiting Your Dancer's Flexibility | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:20:00 | |
It’s no secret that the demands for flexibility have increased in the dance world in recent years. But what about those students who seem to hit a flexibility plateau so matter how much stretching they do? In this episode, I discuss 5 things that could be limiting your dancer's flexibility progress, despite them working hard and stretching regularly. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 141: Can You Change Your Pointe Range? | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:27:13 | |
A common goal amongst dancers is wanting to improve their pointe range or their arch. But is this actually possible? In this episode, we dive into the factors that are involved in pointe range, figuring out where the limitations might be coming from, and whether we can change them through exercise and training. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 140: Gripping in Your Quads - What It Actually Means | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:21:28 | |
This past week there was a major dance media outlet that published an article and social media post with some problematic language around 'gripping in the quads'. In this week's podcast episode, I unpack what was so problematic and why it matters to dancers, as well as what gripping in the quads actually means and how we can address it in a productive way. Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 139: The Future of Ballet Education with Austin Crumley | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:53:16 | |
On this week's episode, I'm joined by ballet educator, mentor and founder of Ballet Reeducation - Austin Crumley. We discuss his journey from professional dancer to professional educator, his unique approach to teaching ballet for the 21st century, and how we can use what research and dance science tells us to inform and progress ballet education. About Austin: Austin holds a BFA in Ballet Pedagogy from The University of Oklahoma, home to one of the top dance programs in the country, where he trained under Mary Margaret Holt, Clara Cravey Stanley, Ilya Kozadayev, and Jeremy Lindberg. He went on to earn his M.Ed from Hope International University, bringing the rigor of formal education theory into a field that has long relied on oral tradition and intuition alone. Before transitioning into education full-time, Austin danced professionally with the Sacramento Ballet, performing leading and ensemble roles in works by George Balanchine, Gerald Arpino, Ma Cong, Jock Soto, and Darrell Moultrie. That experience as a working dancer informs everything about how he teaches. He understands what it actually costs to execute the things we ask dancers to do. Through Ballet Reeducation, Austin has worked directly with over 100 dance teachers through the Summer Training Lab (his signature annual program) alongside individual consultations and workshops. His approach is grounded in nervous-system science, neurodivergent-inclusive practice, and a commitment to teaching ballet as a physical discipline that deserves the same evidence-based rigor as any other. He is currently developing consulting partnerships with leading performing arts institutions and continues to shape what modernized ballet pedagogy can look like in real classrooms. Austin also teaches Biology and AP Biology at the California School of the Arts–San Gabriel Valley, where the overlap between biological science and movement education is less irony and more daily practice.” Connect with Austin: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 138: Red Light Therapy for Healing and Recovery | 30 juin 2026 | 00:31:25 | |
The concept of light as a healing element has been around for thousands of years, but it's only been recently that Red Light Therapy has become a popular modality for healing and wellness. In this week's podcast, I break down what Red Light Therapy is, how different types of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum affect cellular function, the specific benefits of different types of bioactive light, and how dancers can use Red Light Therapy to promote healing and recovery. Check out my favourite source for trusted red light products - Fringe Heals. Summer Sale on July 6 - 12 - 20% sitewide, no code needed! Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 137: The #1 Functional Task Most Dancers Struggle With | 23 juin 2026 | 00:41:36 | |
Functional tasks, or fundamental movement patterns, are movements that lay the foundation for more complicated movement patterns. They are often considered essential movements for activities of daily living, and are some of the first movement patterns we develop as babies and toddlers when we're learning gross motor skills. Dancers spend endless hours training complex and highly skilled movement patterns, sometimes at the expense of these foundational movement patterns. In this week's podcast, I discuss the #1 functional task that I see dancers struggle with in the clinic and why it matters for more than just injury prevention. Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 136: Sever's Disease in Dancers | 16 juin 2026 | 00:28:14 | |
Sever's Disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing adolescent dancers. Probably more aptly named a condition rather than a disease, Sever's is inflammation of the calcaneal growth plate (officially termed calcaneal apophysitis). In this episode, you'll learn what causes Sever's Disease, common symptoms associated with it, why an accurate diagnosis is important, as well as treatment approaches we use for dancers experiencing it. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 135: When Overtraining Isn't The Issue | 09 juin 2026 | 00:25:59 | |
Training loads and overtraining are often cited as one of the top reasons dancers get injured. And they are certainly a large contributor to dance injuries, especially overuse injuries. But what about the dancers who we know are not overtraining but still getting injured? In this episode, we explore some of the factors that could be contributing when overtraining is not the issue. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Additional resources: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 134: The Best Cross-Training for Dancers | 02 juin 2026 | 00:23:02 | |
It's that time of year when dancers are starting to think about summer training plans, and I'm getting a lot of questions about what the 'best' cross-training for dancers is. In this episode, we break down the difference between cross-training and supplemental training, the key goals of cross-training and how to select the best cross-training activities for dancers. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 133: Things to Consider When Choosing a Studio - From a Dance Physio’s Perspective | 26 mai 2026 | 00:30:45 | |
It's the time of the year when dancers and families may be looking to switch studios, training programs or even companies. In this episode, I break down the 7 top things I think need to be considered when choosing a studio - from a dance physiotherapist's perspective. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 132: Your Questions, Answered - Part 3 | 19 mai 2026 | 00:35:51 | |
Back by popular demand, another Q&A style episode. In part 3 of this series, we tackle questions like
Have a question you want answered on a future episode? Send me an email or a DM on social media and I'll add it to the list for next time! Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 131: Calf Injuries in Dance | 12 mai 2026 | 00:36:36 | |
Calf injuries, and especially calf muscle strains, are a common injury in dance but one that has relatively little published research compared with other common dance injuries. In this episode, we discuss:
Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 130: Emergency Medical Care in Dance | 05 mai 2026 | 00:31:14 | |
Sideline emergnecy medical coverage in standard in most sports, but not yet commonplace in the dance world. In this episode, I break down what sideline medical coverage looks like, what an emergency action plan is and how studios, competitions, conventions and other events can begin to think about their own emergency action plans. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 129: Osgood-Schlatter Disease in Dancers | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:30:16 | |
Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common type of anterior knee pain see in growing kids and adolescents. In this episode, you'll learn what causes Osgood-Schlatter disease, common symptoms associated with it as well as treatment approaches for dancers dealing with it. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 128: Shoulder Labral Tears in Dancers | 21 avr. 2026 | 00:30:42 | |
Although not one of the most common injuries we see in dancers, the impact they can have on a dancer's ability to train and perform can be significant. In this episode, we discuss:
Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 127: Relative Energy Deficiency in Dance with Project RED-D | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:41:08 | |
On this week's podcast, I'm joined by Karen Sheriff and Suki McConnon of Project RED-D to discuss relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) and Project RED-D - a global initiative raising the visibility of RED-S in dance. We discuss:
Learn more about Project RED-D:
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| Episode 126: Extension-Based Back Pain in Dancers: Facet Joint Injuries | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:28:29 | |
Following Episode 123 on spondylolysis in dancers, we continue to explore causes of extension-based low back pain. In this episode, I break down facet joint injuries including:
Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 125: Fuelling for Recovery with Maria Tanielian | 31 mars 2026 | 00:35:25 | |
On this week's episode, I'm joined by registered sports dietician Maria Tanielian for a conversation about what it takes for dancers to fuel their bodies for the demands of dance. We discuss how nutrition can be utilized as a tool to aid recovery from the daily rigours of training and performance, as well as how it may need to be adapted when recovering from an injury. About Maria: Maria's approach focuses on fueling for optimal performance, injury prevention and recovery, and building a healthy relationship with food. Dedicated to bridging research and practice, Maria strives to empower athletes to achieve resilience, artistry, and true well-being as performers and artists. Connect with Maria: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 124: 5 Pillars of Longevity for Adult Dancers | 24 mars 2026 | 00:30:41 | |
Inspired after spending the day at an incredible dance convention for dancers ages 18+, in this episode I'm sharing the 5 pillars of longevity for adult dancers to have a healthy and successful experience in dance. The adult dance community is thriving, and taking care of these 5 pillars will ensure that dancers can enjoy it for years to come! Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
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| Episode 123: Extension-Based Back Pain in Dancers: Spondylolysis | 17 mars 2026 | 00:35:40 | |
Low back pain is common among youth athletes and young dancers, and spondylolysis is the most common identifiable cause of it. In this episode, I break down why dancers are so susceptible to spondylolysis, common causes of it, how it is diagnosed and treatment/management of the condition. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Resources from this episode:
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| Episode 122: Five Takeaways from the 2026 Winter Olympics | 10 mars 2026 | 00:35:17 | |
The 2026 Winter Olympics just concluded in Milano-Cortina, and like many people I was absolutely glued to my TV for the duration of the games. For anyone who has followed me for any length of time, this won't come as a surprise - I am a huge sports fan, and especially love the Olympic Games. There are so many parallels between amateur sport (especially the lesser known sports that only really get seen every 4 years at the Olympics) and the dance world. In this episode I highlight 5 incredible stories from the Olympics and the takeaways I think the dance world should be paying attention to. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
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| Episode 121: Exploring Careers in the Dance Industry | 03 mars 2026 | 00:28:18 | |
Not every dancer dreams of performing, and even the most successful performers have to transition out of performance careers at some point. In the past, many dancers assumed the only way to stay in the dance industry was to go into teaching or coaching. In this episode, we explore alternate career options connected to the dance industry that do not involve performing or teaching. Whether you're interested in healthcare, event management, research, fashion or something entirely different, the skill set learned in dance transfer to so many different professions! Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
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| Episode 120: Considerations for Performing When Injured | 24 févr. 2026 | 00:27:16 | |
If you've been around for any length of time, you know how much I LOVE the Olympics. The recent Milano Cortina Winter Games just concluded, and these games showcased some high profile athletes who were competing while injured (or had to make the difficult decision not to). In this podcast episode, I break down some of the decision making processes that elite level athletes and their teams use when making these decisions, and how they can be applied to the dance world. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
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| Episode 119: Common Challenges in Pointe Shoe Fitting | 17 févr. 2026 | 00:43:56 | |
Inspired by my recent talk at The Dancewear Association of Canada conference, in this episode I summarize some of the common challenges we see in pointe shoe fitting. I have broken down these challenges into 2 main categories: skin/nail health and structural/biomechanical issues. This episode goes through some of the common causes of these issues, both from a shoe fitting perspective and a physical/anatomical perspective. I also discuss the importance of a collaborative approach to pointe shoe fitting including the dancer, the shoe fitter, the healthcare provider and the dance teacher. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
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| Episode 118: Thriving in Audition Season with Caitlin Sloan | 10 févr. 2026 | 00:39:09 | |
This week I'm joined by Caitlin Sloan of The Brainy Ballerina to talk about all things related to auditions. Caitlin shares her approach to helping dancers not just survive, but thrive during audition season. She answers questions such as:
About Caitlin: Caitlin Sloan, founder & CEO of The Brainy Ballerina, is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri. Caitlin danced professionally for nearly a decade with companies including Ballet Tucson and Mareck Dance (formerly Missouri Contemporary Ballet). She has served as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and on faculty of Central Indiana Academy of Dance and the School of Madison Ballet. In 2019, Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Through 1-1 career mentorship, workshops and digital resources, her mission is to help dancers gain the skills necessary to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry. Connect with Caitlin: Resources: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 117: Chondromalacia in Dancers | 03 févr. 2026 | 00:25:51 | |
In this episode we dive into chondromalacia and how it affects dancers. You'll learn what exactly chrondromalacia is, how it is graded and what causes it. You'll also learn the most common ways it presents in dancers, and best practice for treatment of it. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
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| Episode 116: Dancing with Scoliosis | 27 janv. 2026 | 00:34:49 | |
With rates of scoliosis in dancers reported to be as high as 20-30% of dancers, it's no wonder this is a topic that gets a lot of attention within the dance world. As a follow-up to last week's episode (Episode 115: Scoliosis 101 with Andrea Mendoza of The ScoliClinic), in this week's episode I discuss the practicalities of dancing with scoliosis. You'll learn the difference between a functional and structural scoliosis, the common patterns and asymmetries that teachers may observe and dancers feel in their body, as well as ways that dancers can learn to embrace and manage their scoliosis. Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 115: Scoliosis 101 with Andrea Mendoza of The ScoliClinic | 20 janv. 2026 | 00:41:18 | |
This week I'm joined by scoliosis expert and owner of The ScoliClinic Andrea Mendoza. Andrea shares her story and the inspiration behind opening a clinic specific for scoliosis clients and their families. We also touch on:
About Andrea: Andrea Mendoza is a physiotherapist and business owner based in Vancouver, BC. After noticing the lack of services for teens with scoliosis and their families, Andrea founded The ScoliClinic in 2016. With a growing team and services ranging from 1:1 treatments, group classes, workshops, and a YouTube channel, The ScoliClinic strives to be a Centre of Excellence for scoliosis care, providing high-quality curve-specific physiotherapy and massage therapy to children, teens, and adults in British Columbia. Over the past decade, Andrea has learned how to adapt typical business strategy and practice to this highly niche practice. With a drive to learn the 'anatomy of business', Andrea completed the Executive MBA program at SFU’s Beedie School of Business, with training in international markets through the Business in the Americas certificate. Combining this knowledge with her experience in building a specialty practice and an enthusiasm for philosophy, strategy, and leadership, she brings ideas from the conceptual world to material to push healthcare forward in her own business, and supports others to do the same. In 2023, she was honoured to receive Business in Vancouver's Forty Under 40 Award in recognition of her achievements. Connect with Andrea: Resources: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 114: My Treatment Philosophy as a Dance Physiotherapist | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:30:42 | |
Have you ever wondered what it's like to work with a dance physiotherapist? Or specifically with me or one of the physiotherapists at Allegro Performance + Wellness? In this podcast episode, I discuss the 5 key pillars of the philosophy that guides my approach to treatment and rehabilitation when working with dancers and other artistic athletes. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
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| Episode 113: 2026 Word of the Year | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:23:24 | |
Welcome to 2026! On this podcast episode, I share my word of the year for 2026, as well as the process behind how and why I pick a word of the year. If you're looking for something a little different than traditional New Year's Resolutions (or maybe in addition to), have a listen to find out all about choosing a word of the year. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
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| Episode 112: How to Maximize Your Winter Break Training | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:26:53 | |
The winter break is fast approaching, and dancers are starting to think about how to get the most out of their time off. In this podcast episode, I dive into what your priorities for winter break training should be, especially if your break is on the longer side (ie longer than 2 weeks). I also discuss using the winter break to address any injuries or aches/pains that have crept up over the past weeks/months. Episode 9: Rest and Recovery for Dancers Episode 26: Tips for Tapering in Dance
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| Episode 111: Snap, crackle, pop - why do dancer's joints make so much noise? | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:19:43 | |
Have you ever wondered why dancer's joints make so much noise? In this podcast episode, you'll learn what's actually happening when joints snap, crackle and pop, why it's so common in dancers, and when to be concerned about it. Episodes mentioned in this podcast: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 110: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide | 02 déc. 2025 | 00:30:50 | |
The wait is over! The 2025 Holiday Gift Guide is here! Access the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Myofascial Release Tools: Tune Up Fitness balls Recovery Tools: Apparel: Strength Equipment: | |||
| Episode 109: Motor Imagery for Injured Dancers | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:27:10 | |
Mental rehearsal (also known as Motor Imagery) is the practice of mentally simulating a movement without physical exertion. It has a multitude of benefits, many of which can be utilized by dancers when they are not able to physically participate in class 100%. On this episode of the podcast, you will learn the theory behind how motor imagery works, the research behind it's benefits, and how dancers can implement it into their practice, especially if they are recovering from an injury. Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 108: Healthy Dancer Canada Conference Recap | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:33:04 | |
I just returned from the Healthy Dancer Canada annual conference which was held in Montreal, QC this month. Attending conferences (and any professional development opportunities really) is high on my list of things that fill my bucket, and this conference is no exception. On this week's podcast episode, I discuss what makes this particular conference unique compared with other conferences I attend regularly, some of my highlights from the weekend, as well as some key takeaway messages. Learn more about Healthy Dancer Canada Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 107: Pelvic Floor Health for Dancers with Dr Brooke Winder | 11 nov. 2025 | 00:44:48 | |
Pelvic health for dancers is an area of clinical practice that is currently growing in research and awareness. This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Brooke Winder to discuss pelvic health issues that are common in dancers. In this episode, we cover common pelvic health symptoms that dancers (of all ages) may experience, why stubborn back, pelvic girdle or hip pain may actually be related to your pelvic floor, and how certain cueing or technique used in dance may be contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction. About Dr. Brooke Winder: Brooke Winder is a Southern California-based physical therapist who specializes in dance medicine and in addressing issues within and surrounding the pelvic floor for performing artists. She is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Dance Science degree program at California State University Long Beach, and also serves patients through her clinical practice, Renew Motion Physical Therapy Inc. She is adept at assisting performers in optimizing pelvic and orthopedic health while navigating common issues such as hypermobility. Dr. Winder has presented at several national and international conferences, and her research has been published in the Journal of Women’s & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, Clinical Biomechanics, Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, and Orthopedic Physical Therapy Practice. Dr. Winder teaches continuing education courses for rehabilitation professionals that focus on addressing pelvic health in artistic athletes, and has authored and co-authored pelvic floor-focused chapters in recent books including The ‘Female’ Dancer: A Soma-scientific Approach, Dance Injuries: Reducing Risk and Maximizing Performance, and Myths of Menopause: A Guide to Increasing Your Menopause Wisdom. She also regularly teaches workshops on injury risk-reduction as well as pelvic floor health for dancers and dance educators. She is a Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedic physical therapy, a BASI-Certified Pilates Instructor, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. She has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California, a BFA in Dance from Chapman University, and formerly danced professionally for the Southern-California based contemporary company Backhausdance. Connect with Brooke: Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 106: Pointe Readiness Assessments for Dancers | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:32:37 | |
Progressing to pointe work has long been considered a rite of passage for many aspiring ballet dancers. However, it does not come without risks. Dancing en pointe increases the forces placed on the foot by up to 12x bodyweight, and if progressed too soon can lead to an increased risk of pain and injury. Historically, dancers were thought to be ready to start training en pointe at 12 years of age. However, with advances in dance science, it is now known that there are many complex factors besides chronological age which can help to determine when it is safe for a dancer to progress en pointe. In this week's podcast episode, I discuss the benefits of having a formal pre-pointe readiness screening assessment, including an update on current research. You'll learn which functional tasks have been validated in the research to have the highest correlation with readiness to progress to pointe work. Pointe Assessment Resources: Research articles mentioned in this episode: Pointe Assessment Screen Shah Edison (PASSE) for Pointe Readiness: A Pilot Study Functional Criteria for Assessing Pointe Readiness
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| Episode 105: Breaking the Binary in Ballet with Anna Morgan | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:48:58 | |
Did you know that despite ballet being predominantly populated by cis gender girls in training settings (92% in the UK), men take up the vast majority of leadership roles (artistic directors, choreographers etc). In this week's podcast episode, I sit down with Anna Morgan to chat about her master's research into gender equity in ballet leadership and training, and what she's learned over the past few years diving into this data. She shares some of the problems that arise when ballet is taught with a rigid, binary structure and ways we can make ballet a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all dancers, regardless of their gender identity. About Anna Morgan Anna is an educator, choreographer, adjudicator and researcher, working mainly within ballet. Her choreography has been presented worldwide, with recent work in the USA, France, Puerto Rico and at Sadler’s Wells, London. She has taught for institutions including the Royal Ballet School, Bird College and Performers College, and adjudicates for All England Dance. She also sits on the Advisory Board for the TIRED Movement. Anna has recently completed the MA course at Rambert School, where her research focuses on gender equity in ballet leadership and training. She has shared this research widely through lectures, digital content and professional development seminars, including as a speaker at the 2025 IADMS Conference in Las Vegas. Connect with Anna: Download your FREE guide - Gender in Ballet: best practice guide for teachers and leaders Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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| Episode 104: Hip Dysplasia in Dancers | 21 oct. 2025 | 00:33:21 | |
In this episode, I discuss hip dysplasia and why it matters for dancers. You'll learn exactly what hip dysplasia is, how it is diagnosed, and common complications that may arise for dancers with hip dysplasia. You'll also learn teaching and treatment techniques to help minimize the effects of hip dysplasia for dancers. Learn more about Erika Mayall:
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