Ballet Science

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 di...

Can ballet help improve balance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS)? This video explores a fascinating research study investigating how a targeted ballet training program may help reduce ataxia and improve balance in individuals with mild to moderate MS. This research highlights how ballet can be more than an art form... it may also serve as a powerful tool for rehabilitation and neurological t...

How do ballet dancers walk compared to non-dancers? In this episode, we break down the biomechanics of gait, balance, and stability using real research. Explore findings from my own study comparing professional ballet dancers to non-dancers during normal walking. You’ll learn how ballet training influences step length, step width, walking speed, cadence, and dynamic gait stability... and what that...

Join the Ballet Science Podcast with Caroline Simpkins, former ballerina and researcher, as we wrap up our two-part series on pointe readiness. In this episode, Caroline shares her personal perspective as a ballet teacher and researcher, explaining what teachers look for before allowing dancers to begin pointe work. We cover key factors including: Physical readiness: ankle, foot, and core strength...

When a dancer goes en pointe, the ankle experiences forces up to 12-13 times their body weight, significantly elevating the risk of injury. This video explains how proper ankle strength and ballet training are crucial to mitigate ankle pain. Understanding these forces helps every ballet dancer prepare safely for pointe work. Research shows that dancing en pointe can place up to 12-13x body weight...

In this episode, we explore how recreational ballet helps older adults improve balance, reduce fall risk, and react faster to unexpected slips. Learn about the neurobiomechanical mechanisms behind ballet training, including recovery steps, trunk control, and muscle activation, and discover why dance could be a fun and effective approach to fall prevention. What you'll learn: How ballet dancers out...

In this episode (Part 2 of 3), we dive into the pilot study I conducted on fall prevention in professional ballet dancers. We explore: How ballet dancers respond to unexpected standing slips Differences between dancers and non-dancers in balance, trunk control, and recovery steps What a pilot study is and why it’s important for larger research How ballet training may enhance reactive balance and r...

Welcome to the Ballet Science Podcast! I’m Caroline Simpkins, a former ballerina turned researcher. In this first episode of our three-part series on ballet and fall prevention, we explore how ballet training can enhance balance, stability, and overall fall risk reduction for dancers and movers of all ages. We’ll cover: Why falls are a major concern, especially for older adults How ballet strength...

Welcome to the Ballet Science Podcast! Learn about my journey from dancing in pointe shoes to earning a PhD in kinesiology and launching a podcast that bridges the worlds of ballet and science. I talk about how my experience as a professional dancer and ballet teacher inspired my research on fall prevention and biomechanics, and how this podcast will explore the science behind ballet, injury preve...