Show Notes
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.
Anna shares her deeply personal experience of returning to the ballet barre during cancer treatment... and how ballet gave her a space to step away from the uncertainty of cancer and simply be a dancer again.
Anna also shares the story of one Onco-Ballet participant who went from using a walker to performing an entire ballet piece.
Importantly, Anna discusses the distinction between the promising experiences participants are reporting and the need for more rigorous research to understand the effects of ballet and dance in cancer recovery.
Join Ballet Science Backstage on Patreon for ad-free access to podcast episodes, educational videos, workouts, stretching content, digital downloads, and more... all in one place. Join Now!
Want Ballet Science updates sent to your inbox? Join My E-mail List Connect With Ballet Science: Website Instagram Facebook X Amazon Storefront E-mail: [email protected]
Connect with Onco-Ballet: Website Instagram Performance (October 2026)
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
Logo Photo: Richard Calmes Additional Photos Provided By: Anna Wassman-Cox
Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All proceeds are reinvested back into Ballet Science.
More from Ballet Science
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?
What does it really take to build a successful career as a professional dancer? It's about more than technique, auditions, and getting hired.
What happens when a cancer diagnosis changes the body you've spent your entire life training?
Pointe training is one of the most demanding aspects of ballet... but are we teaching it in the most effective way?
What does it take to build a long, sustainable career in professional ballet... and what happens when that career comes to an end? In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Fairchild, former principal dancer with New York City Ballet. After an extraordinary career performing some of the most iconic works in the Balanchine and Robbins repertoire, Megan recently retired from NYCB and moved to France with her family.