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The Ballet Science Podcast is hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., a former professional ballerina turned biomechanics researcher. Each week, the podcast brings science into the ballet studio, exploring the intersection of ballet, dance science, and human movement. Topics include injury prevention, biomechanics, strength, nutrition, mindset, and performance. Discover how the science of ballet can help dancers (and anyone who moves) perform and feel their best.
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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: caroline@ballet.scienceConnect 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: caroline@ballet.scienceHosted 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: caroline@ballet.scienceHosted 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: caroline@ballet.scienceHosted 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: caroline@ballet.scienceHosted 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: caroline@ballet.scienceConnect 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: caroline@ballet.scienceHosted 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: caroline@ballet.scienceHosted 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: caroline@ballet.scienceHosted 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: caroline@ballet.scienceHosted 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: caroline@ballet.scienceHosted 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: caroline@ballet.scienceHosted 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.Affiliate Links:🩰 Adult Ballet Clothing IdeasWatch This Video On YouTubeConnect With Ballet Science:WebsiteInstagramFacebook XAmazon StorefrontE-mail: caroline@ballet.scienceHosted 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
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