Encore: Strength Training for Male Ballet Dancers | Shane Wuerthner

Should male ballet dancers lift weights? Strength training has become increasingly common in the ballet world, but many dancers still worry that lifting weights will make them bulky, reduce flexibility, or negatively affect their technique.

In this Ballet Science Encore episode, I'm revisiting one of the most valuable conversations from the Ballet Science archives with former professional ballet dancer and strength coach Shane Wuerthner.

Shane danced with the Vienna State Opera, San Francisco Ballet, and Queensland Ballet before transitioning into strength and conditioning, where he now helps dancers train smarter and stay healthier.

Whether you're a male ballet student, professional dancer, teacher, or parent, this episode offers practical advice backed by experience and science.

Ballet Science Encore: Every so often, I revisit one of the most informative conversations from the Ballet Science archives. These Encore episodes feature timeless advice that remains just as relevant today, often in a shorter, curated highlights format.

Watch or listen to the full-length original interview here.

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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.

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