The Dance Physio Podcast

Erika Mayall
  • 5.0 (19)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast designed to explore ideas and foster discussion around dancer health and wellness. The Dance Physio Podcast aims to challenge the status quo, bridge the gap between dance science and the studio, and help change the landscape of the dance industry for the better. 

  1. Episode 123: Extension-Based Back Pain in Dancers: Spondylolysis

    4D AGO

    Episode 123: Extension-Based Back Pain in Dancers: Spondylolysis

    Low back pain is common among youth athletes and young dancers, and spondylolysis is the most common identifiable cause of it. In this episode, I break down why dancers are so susceptible to spondylolysis, common causes of it, how it is diagnosed and treatment/management of the condition. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 25: Stress Fractures in Dancers Resources from this episode: Article: Rehabilitation Considerations for Spondylolysis in the Youth Athlete Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerikaLearn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.comSign up for my newsletter: Click hereSend me an email: hello@allegroperformance.comSupport the show

    36 min
  2. Episode 122: Five Takeaways from the 2026 Winter Olympics

    MAR 10

    Episode 122: Five Takeaways from the 2026 Winter Olympics

    The 2026 Winter Olympics just concluded in Milano-Cortina, and like many people I was absolutely glued to my TV for the duration of the games. For anyone who has followed me for any length of time, this won't come as a surprise - I am a huge sports fan, and especially love the Olympic Games.  There are so many parallels between amateur sport (especially the lesser known sports that only really get seen every 4 years at the Olympics) and the dance world. In this episode I highlight 5 incredible stories from the Olympics and the takeaways I think the dance world should be paying attention to. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 46: Six Lessons Dance Can Learn From the Olympics Episode 109: Motor Imagery for Injured Dancers Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerikaLearn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.comSign up for my newsletter: Click hereSend me an email: hello@allegroperformance.comSupport the show

    35 min
  3. Episode 121: Exploring Careers in the Dance Industry

    MAR 3

    Episode 121: Exploring Careers in the Dance Industry

    Not every dancer dreams of performing, and even the most successful performers have to transition out of performance careers at some point. In the past, many dancers assumed the only way to stay in the dance industry was to go into teaching or coaching. In this episode, we explore alternate career options connected to the dance industry that do not involve performing or teaching. Whether you're interested in healthcare, event management, research, fashion or something entirely different, the skill set learned in dance transfer to so many different professions! Do you have a unique job within the dance industry? I would love to hear all about it! Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 89: Exploring the Science of Dance with Sarah Kenny Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerikaLearn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.comSign up for my newsletter: Click hereSend me an email: hello@allegroperformance.comSupport the show

    28 min
  4. Episode 120: Considerations for Performing When Injured

    FEB 24

    Episode 120: Considerations for Performing When Injured

    If you've been around for any length of time, you know how much I LOVE the Olympics. The recent Milano Cortina Winter Games just concluded, and these games showcased some high profile athletes who were competing while injured (or had to make the difficult decision not to). In this podcast episode, I break down some of the decision making processes that elite level athletes and their teams use when making these decisions, and how they can be applied to the dance world. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 46: Six Lessons Dance Can Learn From the Olympics Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerikaLearn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.comSign up for my newsletter: Click hereSend me an email: hello@allegroperformance.comSupport the show

    27 min
  5. Episode 119: Common Challenges in Pointe Shoe Fitting

    FEB 17

    Episode 119: Common Challenges in Pointe Shoe Fitting

    Inspired by my recent talk at The Dancewear Association of Canada conference, in this episode I summarize some of the common challenges we see in pointe shoe fitting.  I have broken down these challenges into 2 main categories: skin/nail health and structural/biomechanical issues. This episode goes through some of the common causes of these issues, both from a shoe fitting perspective and a physical/anatomical perspective. I also discuss the importance of a collaborative approach to pointe shoe fitting including the dancer, the shoe fitter, the healthcare provider and the dance teacher. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 4: Pre-Pointe Assessments Episode 106: Pointe Readiness Assessments for Dancers Episode 24: Posterior Ankle Impingement Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerikaLearn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.comSign up for my newsletter: Click hereSend me an email: hello@allegroperformance.comSupport the show

    44 min
  6. Episode 118: Thriving in Audition Season with Caitlin Sloan

    FEB 10

    Episode 118: Thriving in Audition Season with Caitlin Sloan

    This week I'm joined by Caitlin Sloan of The Brainy Ballerina to talk about all things related to auditions. Caitlin shares her approach to helping dancers not just survive, but thrive during audition season. She answers questions such as: How far in advance you should be preparing for an auditionWhen to consider in-person vs a video auditionHow to approach an audition when dealing with or recovering from an injury About Caitlin: Caitlin Sloan, founder & CEO of The Brainy Ballerina, is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.  Caitlin danced professionally for nearly a decade with companies including Ballet Tucson and Mareck Dance (formerly Missouri Contemporary Ballet). She has served as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and on faculty of Central Indiana Academy of Dance and the School of Madison Ballet.  In 2019, Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Through 1-1 career mentorship, workshops and digital resources, her mission is to help dancers gain the skills necessary to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry.  Connect with Caitlin: The Brainy Ballerina Website The Brainy Ballerina on Instagram Resources: The Ultimate Audition Guide Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerikaLearn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.comSign up for my newsletter: Click hereSend me an email: hello@allegroperformance.comSupport the show Support the show

    39 min
  7. Episode 117: Chondromalacia in Dancers

    FEB 3

    Episode 117: Chondromalacia in Dancers

    In this episode we dive into chondromalacia and how it affects dancers. You'll learn what exactly chrondromalacia is, how it is graded and what causes it. You'll also learn the most common ways it presents in dancers, and best practice for treatment of it. Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: Episode 59: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Dancers Episode 86: Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) in Dancers Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerikaLearn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.comSign up for my newsletter: Click hereSend me an email: hello@allegroperformance.comSupport the show Support the show

    26 min
  8. Episode 116: Dancing with Scoliosis

    JAN 27

    Episode 116: Dancing with Scoliosis

    With rates of scoliosis in dancers reported to be as high as 20-30% of dancers, it's no wonder this is a topic that gets a lot of attention within the dance world. As a follow-up to last week's episode (Episode 115: Scoliosis 101 with Andrea Mendoza of The ScoliClinic), in this week's episode I discuss the practicalities of dancing with scoliosis. You'll learn the difference between a functional and structural scoliosis, the common patterns and asymmetries that teachers may observe and dancers feel in their body, as well as ways that dancers can learn to embrace and manage their scoliosis. Learn more about Erika Mayall: Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerikaLearn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.comSign up for my newsletter: Click hereSend me an email: hello@allegroperformance.comSupport the show

    35 min
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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

A podcast designed to explore ideas and foster discussion around dancer health and wellness. The Dance Physio Podcast aims to challenge the status quo, bridge the gap between dance science and the studio, and help change the landscape of the dance industry for the better. 

Information

  • Creator
    Erika Mayall
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    123
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Dance Physio Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Dance Physio Podcast

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