The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Prisha Sasikumar In this episode: We explore how young innovator Prisha Sasikumar is transforming the dance community with her tech-savvy approach, launching the app danZING specifically designed for dancers and studios. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and the future of dance technology. About danZING by DanceVibes danZING is a ne...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT In this episode: In this second episode of the growth related injury series, we discuss Osgood Schlatter Disease.  Discover causes, symptoms, what it is and how it can be treated. References: Corbi, Francisco et al., “Osgood-Schlatter Disease:  Appearance, Diagnosis and Treatment: A Narrative Review”.  Healthcare 2022, 10, 1011.  https://doi...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT In this episode: In this first episode of a series on growth related injuries, Dr. Tara outlines what parents should know about Sever’s Disease. References: Hernandez-Lucas, Pablo, Leiros-Rodrigues, Raquel, Garcia-Lineira, Jesus, Diaz-Buil, Helena.  “Conservative Treatment of Sever’s Disease: A Systematic Review”.  Journal of Clinical Medici...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT In this episode: This episode discusses what the evidence states regarding youth sports guidelines including: Early sport specialization Recommended training hours Long-term athlete development Burnout Overtraining  How parents and studios can support healthy growth I also explain how having a skilled physical therapist in your corner can he...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Angel Miller In this episode: This episode explores the complexities of balancing competitive dance, family life, and personal goals. Hosts Tara Christensen and Angel Miller share insights on managing training schedules, financial considerations, and supporting children's exploration of interests beyond dance. Main points:  Balan...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Angel Miller In this episode,  nutrition counselor Angel Miller discusses practical strategies for optimizing dance competition day nutrition.  Nutrition plays a vital role in an athlete's performance, especially for dancers who require stamina, strength, and agility. Starting the day with the right foods sets the tone for succes...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Nicole Perry MFA, CLMA In this episode: I interview movement professional Nicole Perry, who shares her extensive background in dance education, intimacy coordination, and trauma-informed teaching. We discuss the importance of communication, power dynamics, and consent in dance education, as well as the need for professional developmen...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Jessica (Fernandez) Loscalzo Owner: The Dance Bag In this episode:   🌟 Ever wondered what it takes to create a thriving dance convention? 💃 Dive into the journey of Jessica Lascalzo, owner of the Dance Bag, as she shares how she turned a slow retail season into an unforgettable one-day dance event!  Jessica Lascalzo created the Dan...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by:  Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Julie Kidd In this episode:  I chat with Julie Kidd, a multifaceted dance mom, educator, and comedian. Julie shares her journey in the dance world, including her children's experiences in competitive dance and their successes, as well as a devastating family tragedy and the impact it had on her as she continued as a dance paren...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Jason Pickett In this episode: I sat down with Jason Pickett to discuss the role of acro in competitive dance.  We touched on additional topics including the impact of influencer culture and the need for better regulation in competitive dance and dance education.  We explored some of the pressures dancers and parents face regarding ac...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Mark Scheitzbach In this episode:  I chat with Mark Scheitzbach, a dance dad with a very unique perspective!  Mark is the dad of two male professional dancers, both of which have had incredible roles dancing for major recording artists.   His son Michael just danced with Diana Ross on New Years Rockin’ Eve and has also recently  for...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Jason Harrison, CSCS  Co-Owner of Present Tense Fitness In this episode, I sit down with Jason Harrison to discuss the critical role of strength training for dancers.  We talk about its importance for injury prevention, performance enhancement and long-term athletic development.  We explore when dancers should start strength training,...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Haley Fitch of Haley’s Classes In this episode, I chat with Haley Fitch of Haley’s Classes about the evolution of dance education, primarily focusing on virtual studios.   Haley shares her personal journey from starting late in dance to establishing her own online studio, providing instruction to dancers all over the world.  We discu...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT In this episode: I discuss a bunch of topics regarding what to do if you find yourself in a negative studio environment.  Some of the points I touch on include:  Finding or building safer spaces.   Modeling different leadership, inclusivity and a community that celebrates all dancers regardless of where they are in their dance journey. When...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Dr. Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Angel Miller Ever find yourself questioning if your child’s dance studio is safe?  If the environment is chipping away their love for dance?   I am joined in this episode by my friend; former competitive dancer, current competitive dance mom and fitness instructor Angel Miller.  We discuss what a negative studio culture looks lik...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Dr. Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: John English, co-director of “Unbound” In this episode: I sat down with John English from OTOXO Productions to chat about “Unbound”, a ground breaking documentary about a group of professional ballet dancers at Ballet de Barcelona. What I found in my conversation with this very passionate co-director is that this isn’t just anoth...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Dr. Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Angie McFarland, CEO & Founder of Pulze Athletic Wear Looking for dancewear and athletic wear that is not only cute, but functional?  Pulze Athletic Wear breaks boundaries, offering period protection and built in bra support right in your dance or athletic wear! In this episode I sit down with the CEO and founder Angie McFarl...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Dr. Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Sharene (Founder/Owner of Covet Dance) In this episode we’ll talk to the woman behind some of the products you see in your local dance store.  We’ll hear the story behind how she got started making dance related products and her journey into hundreds of retail stores around the world.   She’ll also showcase some of her favorite/b...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Dr. Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Wondering what to get your dancer for the holidays?  Look no further!  This episode is packed full of suggestions that will help you get your dancer checked off your shopping list in no time! From dance duffels to stocking stuffers, this episode is packed full of suggestions to help you with ideas, JUST IN TIME for Black Friday, Small Bu...

Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT In this first episode you’ll meet and get to know the host! You’ll hear a bit about Dr. Tara’s background, roots in the arts and some insight into her “why”.    Submit your questions or topic suggestions! This podcast is for you, let us know what you want to hear more about:  doctordancemompodcast@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagr...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Dr. Dance Mom podcast!  Give our trailer a listen while we prepare to launch full episodes in the next 2-4 weeks.   Follow us on Instagram , YouTube   and email us at doctordancemompodcast@gmail.com with your listener questions and topic suggestions!