This episode of Science of Slink: The Evidence-Based Pole Podcast features an engaging discussion with dance scientist Claire Farmer, who is currently working on her PhD in the biomechanics of dance. The conversation delves into her book, 'The Female Dancer: A Soma Scientific Approach,' which brings together research authors on topics ranging from hormone effects on dancers to gender dynamics in dance spaces. Claire and Rosy explore the importance of both scientific and somatic approaches to understanding dance, the misconceptions around strength training for dancers, and the societal and cultural factors affecting training and participation in dance.

Links: 

Claire’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancesci_claire/

Claire’s website: https://www.clairefarmer.co.uk/

Find the book: https://www.routledge.com/The-Female-Dancer-a-soma-scientific-approach/Farmer-Kindred/p/book/9781032466897

The 'Female' Dancer Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2tuGJmkLEOrjvstw1tELQn

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:03 Claire Farmer's Background and Research Focus

02:28 Discussion on Female Dancer Health and Hormones

07:15 Gender Dynamics in Dance and Pole

14:11 Strength Training for Dancers and Circus Artists

18:43 Building Confidence Through Strength Training

22:22 The Importance of Progressive Overload

25:06 Efficient Workouts and Microdosing Exercise

27:34 Understanding Soma Scientific

31:56 Exploring Somatic Practices and Lived Experiences

36:54 Conclusion and Further Resources