Ballet Science

How Ballet Changes the Way You Walk: New Biomechanics Research

Ballet Science

Show Notes

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.

Join the Ballet Science E-mail List⁠⁠⁠

⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect With Ballet Science: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Amazon Storefront⁠⁠⁠⁠ E-mail: [email protected]

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.

Filming Equipment Affiliate Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Microphone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Pop Filter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Mic Stand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prompter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Large Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Small Key Light⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Eve Flare Light⁠⁠⁠⁠

More from Ballet Science

Oct 20, 2026

Ballet is physically demanding, but what about the mental side of dance? How can dancers manage performance anxiety, perfectionism, and the psychological challenges of injury and career transitions?

Oct 13, 2026

What does it really take to build a successful career as a professional dancer? It's about more than technique, auditions, and getting hired.

Oct 6, 2026

What happens when ballet becomes part of cancer recovery? In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I’m joined by Anna Wassman-Cox, a former professional ballet dancer, two-time breast cancer survivor, and founder of Onco-Ballet.

Sep 29, 2026

What happens when a cancer diagnosis changes the body you've spent your entire life training?

Sep 22, 2026

Pointe training is one of the most demanding aspects of ballet... but are we teaching it in the most effective way?

See all episodes →