Ballet Science7 Dec 2025

Ballet & Fall Risk in Older Adults: What the Research Says

Falls are the #1 cause of injury in older adults worldwide, but can ballet help?

In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, Caroline Simpkins, PhD, breaks down her published research in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, examining whether recreational ballet dancers aged 55+ show advantages in key fall-risk factors compared to non-dancers.

Using functional mobility tests, leg strength assessments, cognitive screening, and physical activity measures, this study explored how ballet may support strength, balance, power, coordination, and healthy aging.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why falls are such a major public-health issue
How ballet uniquely trains strength, balance, and neuromuscular control
How older ballet dancers performed on sit-to-stand, timed-up-and-go, strength tests, and more
Why dancers showed significantly better physical function than non-dancers
Why fall history alone doesn’t tell the full story
What this means for fall prevention programs and healthy aging
The next steps for ballet-based research and structured interventions

This episode is perfect for dancers, teachers, older adults, clinicians, and anyone interested in how movement practices support long-term health.

📄 Read the full publication: Simpkins C, Ahn J, Yang F. Recreational Ballet Practice Is Associated with Improved Fall Risk Factors in Older Adults. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/1089313X251380085

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