Ballet Science

What if ballet class is training more than your turnout?

In this episode, Dr. Caroline Simpkins (former professional ballerina and PhD in biomechanics) breaks down the cardiovascular physiology of ballet.

We explore:
What happens to your heart during barre, center, adagio, and allegro
Why ballet counts as intermittent cardiovascular training
How stroke volume and cardiac output adapt over time
Why even slow combinations increase heart demand
The connection between ballet, fall prevention, and healthy aging
How breath, posture, and emotion influence your cardiovascular system

Ballet isn’t just aesthetic training. It challenges the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular systems simultaneously. Whether you're 16 or 60, your heart is adapting every time you step into class.

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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:
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A commercial airline pilot… and an adult ballet student!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Captain Christopher Marici to talk about his life in aviation, how he discovered adult ballet, and why he believes ballet is one of the most powerful long-term investments you can make for your body and brain.

We discuss:
What a pilot’s day-to-day is really like
The mental load of the job
What it’s like to be a true beginner as an adult
Why adult ballet can be a “reset” after high-stress work

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with an adult dancer (or someone who’s been thinking about trying ballet)!

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⁠Watch This Video On YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect With Ballet Science:
⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠
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E-mail: [email protected]

Connect with Christopher Marici:
Instagram⁠

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

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

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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

What makes Orza ballet shoes different from a traditional ballet slipper?

In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I’m joined by Seth and Sarah Orza (Pacific Northwest Ballet, New York City Ballet, School of American Ballet). After suffering an injury while dancing with New York City Ballet (NYCB), Seth Orza began adding padding to his ballet shoes to stay onstage. Noticing many dancers doing the same, he asked a simple question: Why hasn’t the ballet slipper evolved?

That question led to the creation of ORZA Pro, a ballet shoe designed with integrated shock absorption and support, built to meet the demands of today’s dancers. What started as a personal solution is now helping dancers move more comfortably from class to rehearsal to performance.

We discuss:
How the Orza brand was born from real injury + performance needs
How their shoe integrates shock-absorbing tech without changing the ballet aesthetic
What testing they’ve done so far (including biomechanics + survey data)
Why ballet footwear has stayed so traditional for so long

Shop Orza: Use code BALLETSCIENCE10 at checkout for 10% off your order!

Connect with Orza:
Instagram

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

Pilates is everywhere in the dance world… but what actually makes it so effective for ballet dancers?

In this episode, I’m joined by Kerry Shea, Pilates instructor at the School of American Ballet (NYC), to break down how Pilates supports alignment, core control, coordination, injury prevention, and performance... from young pre-professionals to seasoned pros.

We cover:
What is Pilates?
What “the core” means for dancers
Why Pilates is especially helpful for hypermobility
How SAB integrates Pilates into a holistic health + wellness model
Common dancer patterns Pilates helps fix
Why “just doing more ballet” can reinforce dysfunctional patterns
How to start Pilates safely + what certifications to look for in an instructor

🎧 Subscribe to the Ballet Science Podcast (YouTube, Apple, Spotify) for weekly episodes on biomechanics, injury prevention, adult ballet, anatomy, mindset, and the science behind dance.

💬 Have more questions about Pilates? Leave them in the comments!

Affiliate Links:
Magic Circle

⁠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

Logo Photo: Richard Calmes