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 influences walking biomechanics across the lifespan.

Read the full publication here:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2026.110097

We compared:

Young professional ballet dancers
Older recreational ballet dancers
Young non-dancers
Older non-dancers

Using 3D motion capture and force plates, we analyzed:

Walking speed
Step length & cadence
Step width
Ground reaction forces
Propulsive power
Dynamic gait stability

So what does that mean for aging, fall risk, and long-term mobility?As a former professional ballerina and PhD in biomechanics, my goal is to bridge the gap between art and science, showing how ballet training influences movement far beyond the studio.

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Hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves.

Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.

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