Ballet Science28 Joulu 2025

Spine Anatomy For Dancers | Herniated Discs

A herniated disc can sound terrifying for dancers, but it is not a career-ender.In this final episode of the Ballet Science spine series, Dr. Caroline Simpkins (former professional ballerina, PhD in biomechanics) breaks down what a herniated disc actually is, why it often develops gradually rather than from one dramatic movement, and (most importantly) why dancers can and do recover successfully.

Using a physical spine model and her own personal recovery story, Caroline explains:

What happens anatomically during a disc herniation
Why imaging findings don’t always equal pain
How repetitive loading and movement patterns matter more than one “bad move”
Why movement (done correctly) is essential for healing
How dancers can return to training with confidence and resilience

This episode is designed to be visual, human, and hopeful... especially for dancers navigating fear, uncertainty, or a recent diagnosis.

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⚠️ Educational content only. Not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for individual care.

Watch the Full Video on YouTube

Back Mechanic Book by Stuart McGill, PhD: https://amzn.to/4qtFsQb

My Favorite Lumbar Support Pillow: https://amzn.to/4jmxTsi

Herniated Disc Model: https://amzn.to/49ak7Eo

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What Happens to Your Feet After Ballet… and How to Fix It | Ance Recovery Sneakers

What actually happens to your feet after a long day of ballet… and can recovery shoes really help? I sit down with Kunal Moudgil, co-founder of Ance Recovery Sneakers, to break down the science behind...

24 Maalis 25min

Why People Should Care About Ballet

Recently, a comment circulated online from actor Timothée Chalamet claiming that “no one cares about ballet.”Whether the remark was serious or joking, it sparked a lot of conversation in the dance wor...

17 Maalis 9min

Why Your Brain Loves Ballet | The Neuroscience Of Dance

Have you ever left ballet class feeling mentally exhausted... even if it wasn’t the most physically intense class? That’s not random!In this episode, we discuss the neuroscience behind ballet training...

10 Maalis 5min

Why Your Heart Loves Ballet | The Cardiovascular Science

What if ballet class is training more than your turnout?In this episode, Dr. Caroline Simpkins (former professional ballerina and PhD in biomechanics) breaks down the cardiovascular physiology of ball...

3 Maalis 6min

Airline Pilot Learns Ballet as an Adult | Christopher Marici

A commercial airline pilot… and an adult ballet student!In today’s episode, I’m joined by Captain Christopher Marici to talk about his life in aviation, how he discovered adult ballet, and why he beli...

24 Helmi 35min

How Ballet Changes the Way You Walk | New Biomechanics Research

What if the way you walk down the street could reveal whether you trained in ballet?In this episode, I break down my published research from the journal Gait & Posture, examining how ballet training i...

17 Helmi 14min

Reinventing Ballet Slippers | Seth & Sarah Orza

What makes Orza ballet shoes different from a traditional ballet slipper?In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I’m joined by Seth and Sarah Orza (Pacific Northwest Ballet, New York City Balle...

10 Helmi 54min

Pilates For Ballet Dancers | Kerry Shea, School of American Ballet

Pilates is everywhere in the dance world… but what actually makes it so effective for ballet dancers?In this episode, I’m joined by Kerry Shea, Pilates instructor at the School of American Ballet (NYC...

3 Helmi 41min