Ballet Science

In 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 medicine
• Scoliosis and dance injuries
• Menopause and dancer health after 40
• New vs. dead pointe shoes and biomechanics
• Music, movement, and Parkinson’s rehabilitation

This episode is perfect for dancers, teachers, and anyone curious about how science and ballet intersect to improve health and performance.

Visit the IADMS website

Caroline Simpkins, Google Scholar

Lise Worthen-Chaudhari, Google Scholar

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Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

Why do ballet dancers, who train for hours daily, often face weaker bones and stress fractures? In this episode, we explore 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. Pilot Study of Bone Turnover Biomarkers, Diet, and Exercise in Elite Female Ballet Dancers. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 1089313X251315812.

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Hosted 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:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

Ballet is known for beauty, discipline, and control… but what’s happening behind the scenes? Today, we break down scientific research on mental health in professional ballet dancers. Discover the prevalence of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and sleep disturbances, and what these findings reveal about the pressures of elite performance environments.

Learn why sleep is critical for both mental health and performance, and how coping skills can protect dancers. We also discuss why stigma prevents dancers from seeking help, and what ballet companies can do to better support dancers.

Publication discussed:

• 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.

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Connect With Ballet Science:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• E-mail: [email protected]

Hosted 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:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Logo photo: Richard Calmes

Discover 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 today’s discussion.

⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠⁠

Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

What 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 episode gives you practical tools for performance, strength, and long-term joint health.

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 today’s discussion.

⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠

Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

Discover 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 checking out the video version of this episode, so you can follow along visually and get the most out of today’s discussion.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Logo Photo: Richard Calmes

Dive 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 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 today’s discussion.

⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠

Logo photo: Richard Calmes

Explore the incredible structure of the human foot with Ballet Science! In this episode, we break 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.

Throughout this episode, I’ll be referencing a physical model of the foot and ankle 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 today’s discussion.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Logo photo: Richard Calmes

In 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 YouTube

Logo photo: Richard Calmes

In 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 episode on YouTube (including my video footage from Gillian Murphy's final curtain call)

Logo Photo: Richard Calmes