Returning to Dance After Concussion at ABT | Courtney Shealy

Professional ballet dancers perform incredible athletic feats every day... but what happens when a head injury threatens their career?

In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Shealy, a professional dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT), to discuss her journey from a young dancer in Florida to one of the world's premier ballet companies.

Courtney also shares her recent experience recovering from a concussion, explaining how the injury happened, the symptoms she initially brushed off, and the testing process that led to her diagnosis. She discusses the specialized physical therapy that helped her safely return to rehearsals and performances, and why she believes greater concussion awareness is needed throughout the ballet world to help dancers recognize symptoms and prioritize their long-term health.

Whether you're a dancer, teacher, parent, or healthcare professional, this conversation offers valuable insight into recognizing concussions and prioritizing long-term health.

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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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