Show Notes
Ballet training can be an exciting (but often complicated) journey for dancers and their families. In this episode, I’m joined by Brett and Jenny from Ballet Help Desk, who share insights from their experiences as ballet parents and from hearing directly from families navigating the dance world.
We discuss the ballet training “arms race,” injury and recovery, pointe readiness, body image and nutrition, teacher red flags, school culture, transparency, choosing the right ballet school, post-graduate programs, and how parents can better support their dancers.
We also talk about finding a healthy balance between supporting a dancer’s dreams and taking a realistic, long-term view of their career.
If you’re a ballet parent, dancer, teacher, or simply interested in the world of ballet training, this conversation is for you.
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 Ballet Help Desk: Website
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: Ballet Help Desk
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 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.
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?