Discover 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.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Logo photo: Richard Calmes