Ballet Rosa inspires dancers from all over the world with apparel and accessories for male and female dancers designed using the highest quality materials and engineered for a high level of comfort, mobility, and performance. Ballet Rosa is renowned in the world of dance for their harmonious mastery of technical materials, combined with artisticall…

Leila Kester speaks on pilates for dancers. This episode considers pilates as a “cross training” method for the mind, recognising the power of noticing and observing movement, with less judgement. We discuss the purpose of slower, more mindful movement for development as artists, and the way this can shape and enhance a dance career. Thank you to B…

Frances Clarke discusses her PhD research investigating current and novel approaches to balance. Thank you to Ballet Rosa for sponsoring today’s episode. Ballet Rosa inspires dancers from all over the world with apparel and accessories for male and female dancers designed using the highest quality materials and engineered for a high level of comfor…

Nico Kolokythas explains the development of the 11+ Dance at Elmhurst Ballet School. In a previous episode, we discussed the development of this injury prevention intervention at Elmhurst, and this follow up episode explores how the research has evolved and how it can be beneficial. We look at what is happening now at the school, the importance of …

Markella Kefallonitou, pilates instructor at White Lodge, talks about her work at the Royal Ballet School with young dancers. Markella gives insight into the role of pilates for dancers’ training, the key benefits, and the collaboration also with S&C and the artistic staff. We untie common criticisms of pilates, and discuss the relevance to dance t…

Catherine Haber discusses her research focusing on the use of spotting in pirouettes. Drawing on this research, Catherine notes key aspects of research methods, discussing the challenges the dance presents to research and highlighting the importance of considering multiple approaches to research. Tying in research onions and biomechanics, Catherine…

In a second part to Season 2 Episode 1, Niall MacSweeney talks further in depth about the process of implementing S&C at White Lodge, Royal Ballet School. We discuss establishing a training system/program over the years, and how the program now works from Year 7 upwards as a result of being relatively recent. This episode considers specificity vs c…

Lauren Attree discusses her work as a sports therapist for dancers. Lauren discusses her Masters at UCL in performing arts medicine, and her experiences as a sports therapist over the UK. We look at working with younger dancers with injuries and rehab, and engagement with strength and conditioning in a competitive dance scene in the UK. Lauren disc…

Ashley McGill discusses her research into Dance for Parkinson’s at ENB. We look at the Dance for Parkinson’s programme, and Ashley’s two studies evaluating the programme through a mixed methods approach. This episode also debates the results of the work, and considers future applications of the research in a healthcare setting. Resources - http://r…

Robert Tsai talks about strength and conditioning for young dancers. Rob discusses working as a physical therapist, and finding value in helping dancers improve with strength training. We discuss dancers’ response to S&C, and creating new movement experiences for dancers This episode focuses on ways increase engagement with S&C in fun and play. Fin…

Kathleen Gaines discusses her viral article on dancers’ mental health, and the subsequent dance science research into mental health for dancers. Over the last 10 years, Kathleen has written more than 150 articles on dance for Dance Magazine, Pointe, Dance Spirit, and Dance Teacher magazines. As a result she has had the opportunity to conduct nearly…

Brooke Winder talks about pelvic floor health. As a physical therapist and educator, Brooke discusses existing research in pelvic floor health on female athletes, and areas for further research. Brooke talks about what the pelvic floor is, the role/function, major flags, and treatment options. We focus on the importance of the pelvic floor for danc…

Alycia Fong Yan discusses biomechanics in dance shoes, drawing on her experiences as a dancer, clinician, researcher and educator. We discuss the impact of different shoes on foot development, strength, and links to injury. Alycia also reflects on her personal drive to research in this area, including application and translation of research to danc…

Archie James discusses his journey through ballet training to physiotherapy, reflecting on new knowledge and learned experience. Archie chats about what he wishes he knew as a ballet dancer, what he would have done differently, and changes that may encourage this in a pre professional environment such as in sports psychology. We look at potential r…

Sonia Rafferty, dance science practitioner, begins by discussing her values and ethos in dance science. We look at the language used around dance science and the potential impacts of this on the connections with the wider dance community. Sonia talks about Safe in Dance International, the importance of awareness of the dancing body and mind, and pr…

Liz Bayley discusses West End Physiotherapy. We look at injuries in Musical Theatre, typical supplementary training for performers, and the importance of strength to improve performance and reduce injuries. We also look at screening in the West End, challenges of scheduling, and Liz discusses how her dance background plays into her current role. Th…

Kendall Baab talks about personal training for younger dancers. We look at Kendall’s journey through grad school during Covid 19 and her MSc research into self efficacy and perfectionism in online classes. Kendall discusses her current work, providing personal dance training for younger dancers as well as online workshops for dancers and teachers. …

Nicky Keay and Steph Potreck discuss clinical cases in hormone health and nutrition.Thank you to The Place London for sponsoring this episode. Located in the heart of London, The Place is a creative powerhouse for dance development that is leading the way in dance training, creation and performance. One of Europe’s most exciting, innovative dance s…

Megan Bane, athletic trainer at BalletMet, discusses her work as a clinician and educator. This episode looks at Megan's experiences which influences her decision to go into the dance science field, her Masters in hypermobility/pirouettes, and her work with military recruits. We focus on Megan's work at BalletMet, her goals for the future of health…

Welcome back to SciDance Podcast. SciDance is a dance science podcast presenting discussions with global industry leaders. The podcast aims to enhance dancer wellbeing, health and training at all levels of the sector, making research and information accessible for dancers and teachers. Episodes cover a range of physical and psychosocial topics cent…

Reflections on Season 2 of SciDance Podcast, looking at informative, interesting, insightful moments taken from each episode so far. Katy Chambers also joins for a chat focused around dance education, where we look at leaving full time education and transitioning into the studio as a dance teacher. (Katy time stamp - 00.27.07) Find Katy here - Twit…

Imogen Aujla discusses freelancers in dance, looking at the role of freelancers in the UK dance sector, and dance science research in this area. We discuss the challenges freelancers face at different stages of their careers, and psychological factors/mental skills training that can help dancers. Imogen talks about the most important resources and …

Khyle Eccles, S&C at Trinity Laban, discusses athletic competency in dancers. We discuss Khyle's MSc work on maximal strength testing for dancers, as well as physiological fitness for dancers more generally. Khyle debates the impacts of aesthetic demands and athleticism in dance. We look at the challenges of implementing S&C programmes in dance, ho…

Adam Mattiussi and Joseph Shaw discuss research and S&C at the Royal Ballet. We discuss their PhDs, looking at injury, jumping, and training load. From a more applied perspective, Adam and Joe discuss the delivery and engagement of strength and conditioning in the company, as well as profiling. We also look at injury rehabilitation and prevention p…

Recent dance science graduates Julie Ferrell-Olson, Louisa Petts and Sam Beckman discuss their research. Julie Ferrell-Olson (Kinematic Impact of Socks on Contemporary Dance Practice) - Contact: julieannferrell8@gmail.com Twitter: @J_FerrellOlson Louisa Petts (Community Dance) - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-petts-1702 Email: louisapetts@hot…

Tabitha Moorse, Madeleine Dardeau, and Beth Ackroyd discuss their experiences as dance science students graduating in 2020. Tabitha Moorse - Website: www.thedancepsychologist.com Twitter: @TabithaMoorse Instagram: @tabithaindia_ Madeleine Dardeau - Email: madeleinedardeau@me.com Instagram: @madeleinedardeau Beth Ackroyd - Email: beth.lauren@live.co…

Nicky Keay and Stephanie Potreck discuss nutrition for dancers, looking at areas such as diet culture, RED-S, body composition, and hormone health. Nicky and Steph also chat about the importance of dancer education, influences around the dancer, and takeaways for dance teachers and dance parents.Resources -www.health4performance.co.ukhttps://nickyk…

Elsa Urmston discusses the psychosocial impacts of dance science research. Elsa talks about various projects, exploring the impacts of dance science in various settings in terms of social impacts, a dance for health domain, and education. We chat about the importance of dance science in these settings, potential further applications, and implementa…

Jeff Russell discusses performing arts healthcare. Jeff talks about his change in career path, his experiences in performing arts medicine, and advocacy aspects of his work. We look at the unique needs of performing arts populations, and the importance of supporting individuals. Jeff discusses the importance of community engaged work and research, …

Karen Sudds discusses her work into developing the 11+ Dance in a recreational setting. We look at her process, methods, and research findings in terms of physical improvements in her dancers. Karen also discusses the potential psychological aspects of this work, as well as anecdotal observations in the dancers technique and performance enhancement…

Gemma Harman discusses the subjective voice of the performer. Informed by her PhD work, Gemma discusses her findings, the importance of performer experiences and subjective research, and the notion of performance enhancement. We also look at the role of reflective practice, and potential developments with future research. Find Gemma here - Email: g…

James Brouner, biomechanics and performance analysis researcher, discusses compensatory strategies in dancers. This episode looks at James' PhD work, investigating compensatory mechanics of movement, and the impact of fatigue and injury on these. James discusses the implications of research in this area in terms of balance for dancers, as well as p…

Sarah Kenny discusses injury epidemiology, focussing on pre-professional ballet. Sarah talks about her PhD work, longitudinal research tracking injuries in pre-professional ballet dancers, the role of pre season screenings, and factors influencing the reporting of injuries. We discuss injury prevention strategies, drawing from clinical perspectives…

Steph De'Ath, Head of Student Welfare at London Studio Centre, talks about her role in supporting students. Steph discusses her ethos in student welfare, LSC's approach to student welfare, and creating a culture for positive health and wellbeing. We look at where dance science fits into this, as well as advice and thoughts for institutions on how t…

Jatin Ambegaonkar talks about improving health and wellness in dance, and the multiple external contributing factors to the wellbeing of dancers. We chat more generally about the approaches to research and the balance between clinical/lab work in dance science, and the importance of working within dancers' own settings and the dance population's un…

Edel Quin discusses the intersection of somatic practices and dance science. We discuss what somatics is, the principles it is based in, and where it fits within/alongside theoretical frameworks and motor learning. Edel suggests what a somatic approach might be able to give us in dance training, discussing the potential benefits and the importance …

Valeriya Volkova discusses training loads. Building on S1 E4, Valeriya looks further into how we can measure training load, current sports science research in this field, and some of the challenges in translating sport protocols in the way that they measure and quantify training load into dance. We chat about Valeriya's own research, developing and…

Amanda Huke-Smith, performer and physiotherapist, gives an applied perspective on injury management. We discuss differing injury risks, research, and support in various genres of dance, and potential ways of overcoming injury stigma through normalising injuries. Amanda chats about the importance of developing an injury skillset, suggesting both phy…

Dr Peta Blevins, dance scientist, educator, researcher, and consultant, talks about her research into psychological recovery for dancers. Peta chats about her PhD work, the practical applications of knowledge about recovery, and student/teacher attitudes towards psychological recovery. We look at mindfulness as a method of recovery for dancers and …

Sarah Needham-Beck talks about the physiological demands of performance and touring in dance. Sarah discusses her PhD work, giving an introduction to researching cardiorespiratory fitness and the relationship to aesthetic competence. We focus on the challenges of prolonged performance periods in dance, and subsequently the importance of preparation…

Conversations between research and practice in dance science with Professor Emma Redding, Head of Dance Science at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. In the first half of this episode, Emma reflects on the early developments of dance science as a subject to study and research. In the second half, Emma talks about leading large scale da…

Niall MacSweeney discusses how growth and maturation affects performance, and the impact of adolescent maturation on injury risk in elite pre-professional ballet. We talk about the student-focused approach to this at the Royal Ballet School, including profiling, the use of biological age, training adaptations and student/teacher education. Niall re…

Welcome back to SciDance Podcast. SciDance is an evidence based, research informed podcast looking at all things dance science. Experts in the field share their knowledge and thoughts as we chat about the research, important takeaways for dancers and teachers, and how we can apply dance science in the studio. Season 2 Episode 1 coming Monday, 1st F…

Reflections on Season 1 of SciDance Podcast, looking at informative, interesting, insightful moments taken from each episode so far. Katy Chambers, dance science lecturer and physiotherapist, also joins for a chat where we look at dance science more generally. Find Katy here - Twitter: @katywith_a_Y Instagram: @pp_dynamic Email: performanceprodynam…

Following on from Episode 19, an introduction to nutrition, Meghan Brown looks at commonly heard myths about nutrition for dancers. This episode looks at vegan and vegetarian diets, the importance of carbohydrates, meal replacements, smoothie diets and protein shakes, tracking energy expenditure, and so much more.Resources -https://www.ais.gov.au/n…

Lisa Howell discusses readiness for pointe, and training pointe work, in today's episode of SciDance. We look at what influences when dancers begin pointe work, the ideal pre pointe dancer, indicators of readiness for pointe, as well as risks associated with starting pointe too early. This episode also covers psychological maturity as a factor in b…

Erin Sanchez talks about psychological skills training in young dancers. An introduction to her PhD, Erin discusses her main areas of focus and the significance of the different perspectives she is looking at. Erin shares more about how dancers differ from other athletes and how the support they receive may also differ, as well as anecdotally the d…

Nico Kolokythas talks about his work at Elmhurst Ballet School, researching injury prevention and developing the "11+ dance". Nico discusses physical development in vocational training, the prevalence of injuries, and how existing injury prevention research may be applied to a dance domain. We chat through Nico's time and discoveries at Elmhurst, t…

Dr Lucie Clements, dance psychologist, talks about performance anxiety. We look at what performance anxiety is and how it differs to generalised anxiety or other forms of anxiety in dance, causes and symptoms of performance anxiety, and how it actually affects performance. This episode also explores how a pre performance routine can help performanc…

Dr Liliana Araujo discusses researching in dance science. We cover traditional and non traditional ways of researching, and the implications of each of these for findings and relevance, as well as discussing the challenges more generally for researching in the dance science field. We also look at balancing tradition and innovation, trusting past re…