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:
Episode 30: Regulation in the Dance Industry
Episode 10: Training Load Management for Dancers
Episode 7: Dance Conditioning - Cross-Training vs Supplementary Training

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: [email protected]

Registration is now open for The Savvy Dance Teacher: applied dance science teacher training course. Check out www.allegroperformance.com/the-savvy-dance-teacher for all the details. Use code SAVVYEB before July 1st to save $100 off your registration.

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Back by popular demand, another Q&A style episode. 

In part 3 of this series, we tackle questions like 

• How hypermobility presents in dancers (spoiler, it's not just being flexible)
• Advice for people wanting to work with performance-based athletes
• How to deal with dancers who fake injuries to get out of shows
• And, my answers to the rapid fire questions you've heard guests answering for the past few years

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:
Episode 1: My Journey as a Dance Physiotherapist

FREE Resource: Managing Dance Injuries in a Studio Setting

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: [email protected]

Registration is now open for The Savvy Dance Teacher: applied dance science teacher training course. Check out www.allegroperformance.com/the-savvy-dance-teacher for all the details. Use code SAVVYEB before July 1st to save $100 off your registration.

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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:

• the different types of calf strains and how they are graded
• the most common causes of calf strains
• treatment protocols for calf strains
• and prevention of calf injuries

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 97: Achilles Tendinopathy in Dancers
Episode 24: Posterior Ankle Impingement
Episode 35: Sprains, Strains and -itis's in Dance

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: [email protected]

Registration is now open for The Savvy Dance Teacher: applied dance science teacher training course. Check out www.allegroperformance.com/the-savvy-dance-teacher for all the details. Use code SAVVYEB before July 1st to save $100 off your registration.

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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:
Episode 91: Reflections from the PAMA International Symposium
Episode 90: Staying Safe Dancing in the Heat

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: [email protected]

Registration is now open for The Savvy Dance Teacher: applied dance science teacher training course. Check out www.allegroperformance.com/the-savvy-dance-teacher for all the details. Use code SAVVYEB before July 1st to save $100 off your registration.

Support the show

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:
Episode 28: Growth Plate Injuries in Dancers

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: [email protected]

Registration is now open for The Savvy Dance Teacher: applied dance science teacher training course. Check out www.allegroperformance.com/the-savvy-dance-teacher for all the details. Use code SAVVYEB before July 1st to save $100 off your registration.

Support the show

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:

• What the glenoid labrum is and why it's important for shoulder function
• Common causes of shoulder labral tears
• Different types of labral tears
• Symptoms and diagnosis of shoulder labral tears
• Treatment options for dancers with a shoulder labrum injury.

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 75: Hip Labral Tears in Dancers

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: [email protected]

Registration is now open for The Savvy Dance Teacher: applied dance science teacher training course. Check out www.allegroperformance.com/the-savvy-dance-teacher for all the details. Use code SAVVYEB before July 1st to save $100 off your registration.

Support the show

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:

• What RED-S/RED-D actually is and who is at risk
• Common symptoms associated with RED-D
• What Project RED-D is, how it came about and it's main goals
• How Project RED-D aims to go beyond just awareness and actually start to embed change within the dance industry 

Learn more about Project RED-D:
Website: Project RED-D
Instagram: Project.Red_D

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: [email protected]

Registration is now open for The Savvy Dance Teacher: applied dance science teacher training course. Check out www.allegroperformance.com/the-savvy-dance-teacher for all the details. Use code SAVVYEB before July 1st to save $100 off your registration.

Support the show

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:

• What is a facet joint injury
• Common presentation and symptoms associated with facet joint injuries
• Diagnosis of facet joint injuries
• Treatment and dance modifications for rehabbing from a facet joint injury

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 123: Extension-Based Back Pain in Dancers: Spondylolysis
Episode 16: Dancer First Aid

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: [email protected]

Registration is now open for The Savvy Dance Teacher: applied dance science teacher training course. Check out www.allegroperformance.com/the-savvy-dance-teacher for all the details. Use code SAVVYEB before July 1st to save $100 off your registration.

Support the show

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 Tanielian is a registered sports dietitian with a diploma in sports nutrition from the International Olympic Committee, specializing in artistic athletes, like dancers, as well as endurance and team sport athletes. With over two decades of training in ballet and folk dance herself, she combines lived experience with clinical expertise to support performers of many styles and levels, ranging from recreational to vocational students to professional dancers. 

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:
Website: The Protean Dietician
LinkedIn: Maria Tanielian

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: [email protected]

Registration is now open for The Savvy Dance Teacher: applied dance science teacher training course. Check out www.allegroperformance.com/the-savvy-dance-teacher for all the details. Use code SAVVYEB before July 1st to save $100 off your registration.

Support the show

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:
Episode 10: Training Load Management for Dancers
Episode 17: RAMP Up Your Dance Warm Up
Episode 55: Strength Training for Dancers
Episode 11: Flexibility for Dancers. Part 1 - Flexibility vs Mobility
Episode 13: Flexibility for Dancers. Part 3 - The Nervous System's Role in Mobility
Episode 9: Rest and Recovery for Dancers

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: [email protected]

Registration is now open for The Savvy Dance Teacher: applied dance science teacher training course. Check out www.allegroperformance.com/the-savvy-dance-teacher for all the details. Use code SAVVYEB before July 1st to save $100 off your registration.

Support the show