Dance Med Spotlight

Alyssa Arms

We dive into the world of dance medicine and science. Our goal is to provide valuable insights & practical knowledge to established professionals, individuals interested in working with dancers, and the dance community as a whole. Tune in to Dance Med Spotlight for amazing conversations with experts, dance industry professionals, & dance community members. Host: Alyssa Arms

  1. 4日前

    Kristen Schuyten – The Performing Arts PT

    On this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, host Dr. Alyssa Arms is joined by Dr. Kristen Schuyten, PT, DPT, MS, SCS, CSCS — board-certified sports physical therapist, strength and conditioning specialist, and educator. Dr. Schuyten serves as a Clinical Specialist at MedSport through Michigan Medicine, works with the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, sits on the University of Michigan Concussion Center Faculty Council, lectures in the Department of Dance, volunteers as a physiotherapist for the U.S. Figure Skating National Team, and is the owner of PerformWell PLLC. With 20 years of experience working with dancers, gymnasts, figure skaters, musicians, and other performing artists, Kristen has been instrumental in developing structured, evidence-informed concussion return-to-dance protocols — work that is currently being implemented at the university level and undergoing peer review. This is a conversation that dance medicine professionals, educators, studio owners, and dancers themselves need to hear. Episode Highlights Concussion in Dance: Why dancers are at risk and why the field must catch up with consistent management and clearance strategies. Return to Learn + Return to Dance: Implementing stepwise academic and performance progressions after concussion. Building Institutional Protocols: How universities, studios, and organizations can create their own roadmap. Warm-Up & Cool-Down: Why structured preparation and recovery matter for injury risk reduction. Navigating Online Misinformation: Helping dancers differentiate social media advice from evidence-based care. Connect with Dr. Kristen Schuyten Follow Kristen for education and performing arts health resources: YouTube / Instagram / TikTok: @theperformingartspt Website: www.performwell-pt.com If this episode was helpful, share it with a dancer, educator, or healthcare provider in your community. Conversations like this help move dance medicine forward. Please note that Back in Step PT may receive a share of sales due to the use of affiliate links. This means we receive a commission at no additional cost to you! We only share products that we personally use and love, whether it’s in the clinic or at home. The post Kristen Schuyten – The Performing Arts PT appeared first on Back In Step Physical Therapy.

    44分
  2. 1月1日

    Dance Med Spotlight: Top Episodes of 2025 & All-Time Favorites

    As we close out 2025 and begin the new year, it’s time to reflect on the conversations that shaped 2025—and revisit the episodes that continue to resonate year after year. If you’re new here, Dance Med Spotlight is where we bridge the gap between dancers, teachers, healthcare providers, and anyone who supports dancers along the way. Hosted by Dr. Alyssa Arms, this podcast creates space for evidence-informed, dancer-centered conversations that matter. This year, we covered everything from trauma-informed teaching to systemic change, hypermobility, and sustainable strength training. Today’s post highlights: Top 5 Episodes of 2025 Top 5 Episodes of All Time Key Themes That Keep Rising to the Top Top 5 Episodes of 2025 #5 – Courtney Adair: Trauma-Informed Dance Instruction Courtney returned to the podcast to unpack what trauma-informed teaching looks like in real dance spaces. From private lessons to social dance, her insights remind us that “trauma is too much, too fast, too soon”—and that power dynamics are always present. One of my favorite takeaways? Treat everything in dance as an experiment. That mindset creates safety and agency for dancers.  Instagram  Website #4 – Sarah Tyndall: Supporting Dancers Beyond the Physical Sarah challenged us to see dancers as whole humans. Emotional load, stress, and environment matter just as much as technique. Support isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about building systems that help dancers thrive before injury or burnout ever happens.  restore-reform-pt.com  @restore.reform.pt on Instagram and Facebook  YouTube: Restore Reform PT #3 – Dr. Linda Bluestein: Hypermobility, EDS, and Individualized Care This episode remains a go-to resource for understanding bendy bodies. Dr. Bluestein reminded us that “if you’ve seen one person with EDS, you’ve seen one person with EDS.” Hypermobility can be an asset—but only with individualized care and strength training.  Hypermobility MD Website  Bendy Bodies Podcast  Bendy Bulletin on Substack  Bendy Bodies on YouTube  Socials: @HypermobilityMD on IG, FB, LinkedIn, X, TikTok @Bendy_Bodies on IG #2 – Maria Haralambis: Building Better Systems for Dancers Maria shifted the lens from individual bodies to the systems surrounding them. Dancers don’t need more pressure—they need better support and communication. This episode resonated with anyone trying to create change within imperfect structures. Instagram: @the.dancescientist TikTok: @the.dancescientist Website: www.thedancescientist.com Dance Ed Shop: thedancescienceshop.com #1 – Galit Friedlander: Strength, Longevity, and Meeting Dancers Where They Are Galit bridged artistry and physical preparation beautifully. Her reminder that “dancers are the experts in dance—we build bridges” struck a chord. Strength training should support artistry, not compete with it.  Website: www.gogalit.com  Podcast: www.dancespeakpodcast.com  Online Courses: Galit’s School  Instagram: @gogalit | @dancespeakpodcast  LinkedIn: Galit Friedlander  YouTube: GoGalit Top 5 Episodes of All Time These episodes never leave the conversation: #5 – Courtney Adair (2023): Identity, power, and how dancers show up. #4 – Dr. Linda Bluestein: A cornerstone for understanding hypermobility. #3 – Maria Haralambis: Honest talk about sustainable systems. #2 – Galit Friedlander: Artistry meets strength and autonomy. #1 – Chantelle Pianetta: Pressure, identity, and sustainability in high-demand environments. Themes That Connect Them All The body is not the problem. Pain and hypermobility are adaptations, not failures. Power and permission matter. How we use power shapes safety in dance spaces. Feeling good ≠ less excellence. Longevity and peak performance thrive when dancers feel supported. Collaboration beats competition. Teachers, clinicians, and educators working together serve dancers best. Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of this community. Explore past episodes https://backinsteppt.com/dance-med-spotlight-podcast/ and connect with our guests for more insights. Please note that Back in Step PT may receive a share of sales due to the use of affiliate links. This means we receive a commision at no additional cost to you! We only share products that we personally use and love, whether it’s in the clinic or at home. The post Dance Med Spotlight: Top Episodes of 2025 & All-Time Favorites appeared first on Back In Step Physical Therapy.

    23分
  3. 2025/12/18

    Rosa Pasculli & Emma Faulkner – Dance/USA

    On this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, host Dr. Alyssa Arms is joined by Dr. Rosa Pasculli and Dr. Emma Faulkner for a conversation centered on the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health and its growing impact on the dance community. In this conversation, they explain what Dance/USA is and why the Task Force was created. They also share how its resources support dancers, dance educators, and healthcare providers. In addition, they explore cross-training and strength training for dancers and address common myths that still exist in dance culture. Throughout the episode, Rosa and Emma emphasize collaboration and evidence-informed care. As a result, listeners walk away with practical tools to better support dancer health, performance, and career longevity. Guests Rosa Pasculli, MD, MBA, RMSK is a sports medicine physiatrist at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Her clinical focus includes care of the female athlete and dance medicine. She serves as Head Team Physician for Emory University and works as a consulting physician for the Atlanta Ballet, The Georgia Ballet, and the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders. In addition, Dr. Pasculli is the Secretary of the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health Executive Committee. Emma Faulkner, PT, DPT is an orthopedic physical therapist based in Atlanta, GA. She is the owner of TriHealth Physical Therapy and the co-founder of Atlanta Dance Medicine. Emma works closely with dancers throughout the Atlanta metro area. She is the lead physical therapist for multiple modern dance companies and an adjunct faculty member in Emory University’s Department of Theater and Dance. She also serves as the Screening Chair for the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancer Health Executive Committee. What We Cover in This Episode What Dance/USA is and how the Task Force on Dancer Health supports dancer wellness nationwide Why dancer screenings matter and how they are used in professional and educational settings How cross-training and strength training support dancer health and performance Common myths about strength training in dancers—and what current evidence shows instead Why collaboration between physicians, physical therapists, educators, and organizations is essential Connect with Our Guests & Organizations Rosa Pasculli, MD: @rosapasculliMD Emma Faulkner, PT, DPT: @dancingemdpt Dance/USA: @danceusaorg Please note that Back in Step PT may receive a share of sales due to the use of affiliate links. This means we receive a commision at no additional cost to you! We only share products that we personally use and love, whether it’s in the clinic or at home. The post Rosa Pasculli & Emma Faulkner – Dance/USA appeared first on Back In Step Physical Therapy.

    1時間2分
  4. 2025/12/04

    Ann Hunt – Colorado Dance Education Organization (CoDEO)

    In this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, host Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS, turns the focus to the Colorado Dance Education Organization (CoDEO). CoDEO President Ann Hunt joins the conversation to share how the organization supports dance educators, students, and programs across the state. CoDEO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on advocacy, community-building, and accessible dance education. During the episode, Ann explains how CoDEO serves public schools, private studios, higher education programs, and community organizations. She also introduces the annual CoDEO conference, which brings dancers and educators together in a collaborative, non-competitive environment. Listeners will learn how CoDEO promotes high-quality dance education through teacher training, health and wellness sessions, scholarships, and statewide initiatives. As a result, the episode offers a clear look at how CoDEO strengthens the Colorado dance community. Key Topics & Highlights 1. What CoDEO Does Ann introduces CoDEO and describes its connection to the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). She explains how CoDEO works to elevate dance education throughout Colorado. 2. Inside the Annual Conference The episode breaks down the purpose and structure of the annual conference. Ann shares what attendees can expect, including movement classes, teacher workshops, and networking opportunities. 3. Health, Wellness & Adaptive Dance In addition, CoDEO includes health, wellness, and adaptive dance sessions in its programming. These offerings give educators tools to support dancers with a wide range of needs. 4. A Non-Competitive Learning Space The conference is intentionally non-competitive. Because of this, dancers can focus on learning, creativity, and connection rather than scores or rankings. 5. Support & Scholarships Finally, Ann explains how donations, memberships, and sponsorships help CoDEO provide scholarships and expand its offerings across the state. Please note that Back in Step PT may receive a share of sales due to the use of affiliate links. This means we receive a commision at no additional cost to you! We only share products that we personally use and love, whether it’s in the clinic or at home. The post Ann Hunt – Colorado Dance Education Organization (CoDEO) appeared first on Back In Step Physical Therapy.

    37分
  5. 2025/11/14

    Cara Dixon – Relative Motion Dance

    In this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, host Dr. Alyssa Arms talks with Cara Dixon, co-founder and director of Relative Motion. Cara is a dance educator, adjudicator, and choreographer who blends movement, anatomy, and artistry in her teaching. Relative Motion was created to bridge the gap between dance and anatomy. Cara shares how her team helps dancers build strength, alignment, and longevity through better body awareness. Their approach makes anatomy easy to see and understand — not just something to memorize. In this conversation, Cara explains how anatomical concepts are woven into dance training to help dancers move smarter. She also describes how Relative Motion’s training programs and color-coded apparel give dancers and teachers visual cues for alignment and muscle activation. As a result, dancers can improve their performance while reducing injury risk. In addition, Cara and Alyssa talk about the importance of creating a shared vocabulary between dancers and teachers. This kind of clear communication helps both sides better understand how movement feels and functions. The discussion also highlights why mastering the fundamentals is so valuable. Cara compares it to professional athletes who keep refining the basics, even at the highest level. Through this, dancers can achieve long-term progress and artistry. Overall, this episode offers practical ideas for improving dance training through science-based tools and teaching methods. Whether you are a dancer, teacher, or clinician, you’ll gain a new perspective on how to combine science and creativity to support healthy, sustainable performance. Connect with Relative Motion: Instagram: @relativemotiondance Facebook: @therelativemotionexperience YouTube: Relative Motion Please note that Back in Step PT may receive a share of sales due to the use of affiliate links. This means we receive a commision at no additional cost to you! We only share products that we personally use and love, whether it’s in the clinic or at home. The post Cara Dixon – Relative Motion Dance appeared first on Back In Step Physical Therapy.

    54分
  6. 2025/10/23

    Marissa Schaeffer – FlySpace Physical Therapy

    In this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, host Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS sits down with Dr. Marissa Schaeffer, a physical therapist, educator, and founder of FlySpace Physical Therapy in New York City. Marissa blends clinical expertise, business acumen, and deep understanding of the performing arts to create sustainable systems that support both performers and performing arts clinicians. A graduate of SUNY Purchase College Conservatory of Dance, Marissa combines her dance background with her expertise as a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and MBA graduate from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. Her career has included work with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Parsons Dance, Gibney Dance, and other leading organizations, both in-clinic and on-site. Marissa founded FlySpace Physical Therapy in 2021 to create an environment where performers feel confident, strong, and respected throughout their rehabilitation and performance journeys. In this conversation, she shares how intentional systems, collaboration, and business foundations support the health and success of both performers and the clinicians who serve them. Drawing from her dual background in physical therapy and business, Marissa highlights the power of structure — echoing Tamsin Embleton’s insight that “individuals cannot maintain resilience if the structure and systems they work within remain dysfunctional. Key Highlights The Role of Performing Arts Physical Therapists: What it takes to support performers in high-demand environments like theater and dance companies. Building Sustainable Systems: How intentional processes benefit both therapists and performers. On-Site and Backstage Care: The logistics and value of providing immediate, performance-specific treatment. Collaboration in the Arts: Fostering teamwork among therapists, stage managers, choreographers, and company staff. Education and Injury Risk Reduction: How proactive approaches can improve performance longevity and wellness. Bridging Business and Healthcare: Lessons from Marissa’s MBA experience that every performing arts PT can learn from. Tune in to hear how Dr. Marissa Schaeffer is redefining what it means to care for performers — not just through treatment, but through thoughtful systems, communication, and leadership. Follow Marissa and FlySpace Physical Therapy: Instagram: @marissatschaeffer_DPT | @flyspacept LinkedIn: Marissa T. Schaeffer, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, MBA Please note that Back in Step PT may receive a share of sales due to the use of affiliate links. This means we receive a commision at no additional cost to you! We only share products that we personally use and love, whether it’s in the clinic or at home. The post Marissa Schaeffer – FlySpace Physical Therapy appeared first on Back In Step Physical Therapy.

    51分
  7. 2025/09/18

    Sarah Needham-Beck – The Science of Dance

    In this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, host Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS is joined by Dr. Sarah Needham-Beck, PhD, FIADMS—a lecturer and researcher in Dance Science and Applied Physiology at the University of Chichester, freelance consultant, and board member for IADMS. Dr. Beck brings her expertise in applied physiology and quantitative research to the conversation, focusing on how dancers, educators, and companies can use data to support training and performance. Rather than viewing research as restrictive, she encourages embracing it as a supportive tool that enhances both health and artistry. Episode Overview Dance is both highly physical and deeply artistic. Understanding the body’s responses to training, rehearsals, and performances can help dancers train smarter, reduce injury risk, and optimize performance. In this episode, Dr. Beck explains how everything from simple personal journaling to advanced monitoring systems in professional companies can provide insights that elevate dance training without taking away from creativity. Key Highlights Physiological Demands of Dance: Exploring how the body responds across different types of training and performance. Integrating Science and Artistry: Using data and research as a tool to support artistry, not restrict it. Practical Applications: Simple approaches like journaling hydration, sleep, and fatigue levels for self-awareness. Research in Education: Insights from ongoing projects in vocational and professional settings. Empowering Dancers: Shifting the narrative around data so dancers feel supported and empowered by science. Connect with Dr. Sarah Needham-Beck Follow Dr. Beck on Instagram: @sneedhambeck Listen to the full conversation on Dance Med Spotlight wherever you get your podcasts. Please note that Back in Step PT may receive a share of sales due to the use of affiliate links. This means we receive a commision at no additional cost to you! We only share products that we personally use and love, whether it’s in the clinic or at home. The post Sarah Needham-Beck – The Science of Dance appeared first on Back In Step Physical Therapy.

    52分
  8. 2025/09/04

    Alexandra Beller – Somatic Awareness in Dance

    In this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, host Dr. Alyssa Arms is joined by Alexandra Beller MFA, CMA—an artistic director, choreographer, educator, and certified movement analyst. A former dancer with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, Alexandra is now a leading somatics educator and the author of two upcoming books, including The Anatomy of Art: Unlocking the Creative Process for Theater and Dance. Alexandra has helped countless artists discover their creative voices—not by telling them what to say, but by teaching them to listen to themselves. In this conversation, she shares how dancers can move away from self-criticism and instead cultivate somatic awareness, building a sustainable practice rooted in agency, resilience, and joy. Key Topics and Highlights What Somatics Really Means Alexandra breaks down the practice of somatics, explaining how breath, awareness, and the mind-body connection can reshape the way dancers train and perform. From Inner Critic to Inner Witness By shifting from judgment to observation, dancers can begin replacing harsh self-talk with compassion and awareness, opening the door to deeper artistry. Mirrorless Practice The conversation explores the benefits of stepping away from the mirror. Internal cues, rather than external reflections, become the guide for growth and refinement. Resilience and Sustainable Practice Alexandra challenges the culture of “pushing through” in dance, highlighting the importance of listening to the body and building long-term sustainability. Final Takeaway Listening to the body is not a luxury or an escape from training—it is the training. This practice supports technique, protects mental health, and strengthens creative depth. Why This Episode Matters This episode is an invitation for dancers, educators, and creators to rethink how they approach training. By embracing somatic practices, dancers can find more joy, clarity, and resilience both inside and outside the studio. Connect with Alexandra Beller Website/Education: alexandrabellerdances.org Stage & Film: AlexandraBeller.com Course Library: alexandrabellerdances.thinkific.com Praxispace Creative Community: praxispace.com Facebook: facebook.com/alexandrabellerdances TikTok: @thelabanista YouTube: Alexandra Beller LinkedIn: Alexandra Beller Instagram: @alexandrabellerdances Please note that Back in Step PT may receive a share of sales due to the use of affiliate links. This means we receive a commision at no additional cost to you! We only share products that we personally use and love, whether it’s in the clinic or at home. The post Alexandra Beller – Somatic Awareness in Dance appeared first on Back In Step Physical Therapy.

    1時間6分

番組について

We dive into the world of dance medicine and science. Our goal is to provide valuable insights & practical knowledge to established professionals, individuals interested in working with dancers, and the dance community as a whole. Tune in to Dance Med Spotlight for amazing conversations with experts, dance industry professionals, & dance community members. Host: Alyssa Arms

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