The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast

Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Performing Arts

Perspectives and stories from my experience as a DPT who specializes in working with artistic athletes and active individuals and my experience navigating the competitive dance world with my daughter.

  1. 18h ago

    Beyond The Shuffle: Stronger, Healthier Tap Dancers

    Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Todd Shanks In this episode (Episode description/overview): We welcome Todd Shanks to the podcast! Todd has a long resume full of dance, choreography and teaching experience.   As a performer he has danced in TV commercials, music videos, and programs including “The View” and “Good Day NY”.  He also performed on field at Gillette stadium on field for the 2015 and 2017 NFL Kickoff shows featuring T-Pain and FloRida. As a choreographer his experience ranges from the studio to the stage, to television and even the ice skating rink. As a teacher, Todd was on faculty at Steps on Broadway for over a decade, has been a guest choreographer at numerous universities, dance companies and private studios across the US.  He is currently the Program Coordinator for the Palladino School of Dance and a full time Artist In Residence at Dean College.  You can also find him on tour with Manhattan Dance Project and Dance Educators of America. In this episode, Todd  shares his expertise on tap dance training, warm-up routines, injury prevention, and the importance of mental health in dance. Perfect for dancers, teachers, and parents looking to enhance their tap practice and understanding. We cover: Tap warm-up techniques tailored for tap dancersInjury prevention strategies specific to tap danceThe importance of core stability and balance in tapCardiovascular training for dancersChoosing the right shoes for safety and performanceMental health and burnout in dance studentsHistorical and stylistic considerations in tap trickeryAdjudication perspectives on tricks and safetyCross-training and proprioceptive exercises for dancersThe role of music and rhythm in warm-up and performanceFollow Todd on Instagram: @toddshanks Submit your questions or topic suggestions! This podcast is for you, let us know what you want to hear more about:  doctordancemompodcast@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @drdancemompodcast YouTube: @Dr.DanceMomPodcast If you’re looking for a dance medicine Physical Therapist in northern New Jersey, check out my practice!  Performers Edge Wellness is located in Hardyston, NJ and serves artistic athletes such as dancers, cheerleaders and gymnasts as well as active individuals looking to eliminate pain and sustain an active lifestyle.  Follow:   Instagram: @performersedgewellness Facebook: Performers Edge Wellness TikTok: @performersedgewellness Subscribe to our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/performersedgewellness/socials-and-quick-sign-up To explore other services we provide, check out our website at www.performersedgewellness.com Like what you’re hearing? Leave us a review on Apple podcasts.

  2. Sep 25

    Spotlight On: Stari Beauty

    Send us Fan Mail  In this Episode:  Kamini Mirchandani shares her journey from dancer to founder of Stari Beauty, a brand dedicated to creating natural, high-performance stage makeup for young performers. Discover how her background in dance inspired her product line and her vision for supporting young performers with safe, effective makeup options. We cover: Kamini's dance background and its influence on her product lineThe importance of natural, safe ingredients in kids' makeupProduct development balancing performance and natural ingredientsExpansion plans for the product line including future productsBuilding relationships with dance studios and storesYou can shop Stari Beauty products at: https://www.staribeauty.com/ Follow Stari Beauty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stari_beauty Submit your questions or topic suggestions! This podcast is for you, let us know what you want to hear more about:  doctordancemompodcast@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @drdancemompodcast YouTube: @Dr.DanceMomPodcast If you’re looking for a dance medicine Physical Therapist in northern New Jersey, check out my practice!  Performers Edge Wellness is located in Hardyston, NJ and serves artistic athletes such as dancers, cheerleaders and gymnasts as well as active individuals looking to eliminate pain and sustain an active lifestyle.  Follow:   Instagram: @performersedgewellness Facebook: Performers Edge Wellness TikTok: @performersedgewellness Subscribe to our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/performersedgewellness/socials-and-quick-sign-up To explore other services we provide, check out our website at www.performersedgewellness.com Like what you’re hearing? Leave us a review on Apple podcasts.

  3. Sep 18

    Spotlight On: Elevation On Tour

    Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guests: Kristina Cross and Brie Pena In this episode: Moms Kristina Cross and Brie Pina share their journey of founding Elevation on Tour, a dance convention and competition platform focused on creating supportive environments for dancers of all skill levels. They discuss their unique approach to judging, scheduling, and fostering positive experiences in the dance community.  They cover: The origins of Elevation on Tour and its Texas rootsHow the platform emphasizes inclusivity and support for all dancersTheir innovative judging system Scheduling strategies to reduce stress and improve experienceThe importance of age-appropriate content and costuming in dance competitionsPartnerships with brands and other dance organizationsThe difference between dance competitions and conventions, and their integrationSubmit your questions or topic suggestions! This podcast is for you, let us know what you want to hear more about:  doctordancemompodcast@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @drdancemompodcast YouTube: @Dr.DanceMomPodcast If you’re looking for a dance medicine Physical Therapist in northern New Jersey, check out my practice!  Performers Edge Wellness is located in Hardyston, NJ and serves artistic athletes such as dancers, cheerleaders and gymnasts as well as active individuals looking to eliminate pain and sustain an active lifestyle.  Follow:   Instagram: @performersedgewellness Facebook: Performers Edge Wellness TikTok: @performersedgewellness Subscribe to our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/performersedgewellness/socials-and-quick-sign-up To explore other services we provide, check out our website at www.performersedgewellness.com Like what you’re hearing? Leave us a review on Apple podcasts.

  4. May 15

    Spotlight On: DanZING App & Its Remarkable 16 Year Old Creator

    Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Prisha Sasikumar In this episode: We explore how young innovator Prisha Sasikumar is transforming the dance community with her tech-savvy approach, launching the app danZING specifically designed for dancers and studios. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and the future of dance technology. About danZING by DanceVibes danZING is a new app built specifically for competitive dance studios to replace the chaos of group chats, emails, and scattered schedules—so dancers, parents, and teachers can stay fully organized in one place. Corrections (synced to timestamps), file storage, packing checklists, and more in one app! We’re currently preparing for our official June launch and opening early access to a limited number of studios. For Studio Directors & Teachers Streamline communication and team organization without the back-and-forth. → Join early access: growithdancevibes.com/danzing → UNTIL JUNE 20TH: Onboard your studio to receive one month free and 25% lifetime discount + direct input on features For Dancers Know exactly what’s happening—rehearsals, checklists, videos—all in one place so you can focus on performing, not scrambling. → Get early access: growithdancevibes.com/danzing For Dance Parents Stay in the loop without the stress—no more missed updates or last-minute confusion. → Sign up for access: growithdancevibes.com/danzing Learn more about DanceVibes and danZING: growithdancevibes.com Follow Prisha: instagram.com/prisha.sasikumar Submit your questions or topic suggestions! This podcast is for you, let us know what you want to hear more about:  doctordancemompodcast@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @drdancemompodcast YouTube: @Dr.DanceMomPodcast TikTok: @doctordancemom Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1aPGZP9TAo/?mibextid=wwXIfr If you’re looking for a dance medicine Physical Therapist in northern New Jersey, check out my practice!  Performers Edge Wellness is located in Sparta, NJ and serves artistic athletes such as dancers, cheerleaders and gymnasts as well as active individuals looking to eliminate pain and sustain an active lifestyle.  Follow:   Instagram: @performersedgewellness Facebook: Performers Edge Wellness TikTok: @performersedgewellness Subscribe to our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/performersedgewellness/socials-and-quick-sign-up To explore other services we provide, check out our website at www.performersedgewellness.com If you enjoyed this content, please leave us a review and tell your friends!

  5. Apr 17

    Growth Related Injury Series: Osgood Schlatter Disease

    Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT In this episode: In this second episode of the growth related injury series, we discuss Osgood Schlatter Disease.  Discover causes, symptoms, what it is and how it can be treated. References: Corbi, Francisco et al., “Osgood-Schlatter Disease:  Appearance, Diagnosis and Treatment: A Narrative Review”.  Healthcare 2022, 10, 1011.  https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10061011 Antich, TJ MS, PT, Brewster, Clive E MS, PT.  “Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Review of Literature and Physical Therapy Management”.  The Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy.  Vol. 7, No1:5-10. Submit your questions or topic suggestions! This podcast is for you, let us know what you want to hear more about:  doctordancemompodcast@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @drdancemompodcast YouTube: @Dr.DanceMomPodcast TikTok: @doctordancemom Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1aPGZP9TAo/?mibextid=wwXIfr If you’re looking for a dance medicine Physical Therapist in northern New Jersey, check out my practice!  Performers Edge Wellness is located in Sparta, NJ and serves artistic athletes such as dancers, cheerleaders and gymnasts as well as active individuals looking to eliminate pain and sustain an active lifestyle.  Follow:   Instagram: @performersedgewellness Facebook: Performers Edge Wellness TikTok: @performersedgewellness Subscribe to our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/performersedgewellness/socials-and-quick-sign-up To explore other services we provide, check out our website at www.performersedgewellness.com If you enjoyed this content, please leave us a review and tell your friends!

  6. Apr 10

    Growth Related Injury Series: Severs Disease

    Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT In this episode: In this first episode of a series on growth related injuries, Dr. Tara outlines what parents should know about Sever’s Disease. References: Hernandez-Lucas, Pablo, Leiros-Rodrigues, Raquel, Garcia-Lineira, Jesus, Diaz-Buil, Helena.  “Conservative Treatment of Sever’s Disease: A Systematic Review”.  Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024, 13, 1391.  Https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13051391 Nieto-Gil, Pilar et al., “Risk factors and associated factors for Calcaneal apophysitis (Sever’s disease): a systematic review”.  BMJ Open 2023, 13:e064903. Doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064903 Submit your questions or topic suggestions! This podcast is for you, let us know what you want to hear more about:  doctordancemompodcast@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @drdancemompodcast YouTube: @Dr.DanceMomPodcast TikTok: @doctordancemom Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1aPGZP9TAo/?mibextid=wwXIfr If you’re looking for a dance medicine Physical Therapist in northern New Jersey, check out my practice!  Performers Edge Wellness is located in Sparta, NJ and serves artistic athletes such as dancers, cheerleaders and gymnasts as well as active individuals looking to eliminate pain and sustain an active lifestyle.  Follow:   Instagram: @performersedgewellness Facebook: Performers Edge Wellness TikTok: @performersedgewellness Subscribe to our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/performersedgewellness/socials-and-quick-sign-up To explore other services we provide, check out our website at www.performersedgewellness.com If you enjoyed this content, please leave us a review and tell your friends!

  7. Mar 13

    Sport Specialization, Burnout, Overtraining & Why Dancers Need A Physical Therapist

    Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT In this episode: This episode discusses what the evidence states regarding youth sports guidelines including: Early sport specializationRecommended training hoursLong-term athlete developmentBurnoutOvertraining How parents and studios can support healthy growthI also explain how having a skilled physical therapist in your corner can help to mitigate some of the above concerns and enhance training, provide education and guidance for young dancers to prevent injury, burnout, and overtraining.  References: NSCA 10 Pillars of Successful Long-Term Athletic Development adapted from LLoyd et al, Journal of Strength Cond Res. 2016 Jayanthi, Neeru MD, et. al., “Developmental Training Model for the Sport Specialized Youth Athlete: A Dynamic Strategy for Individualizing Load-Response During Maturation”. Sports Health. Vol 14, No 1; 142-153. Brenner, MD et al.  “Overuse Injuries, Overtraining, and Burnout in Young Athletes”, Pediatrics Volume 153, No.2, February 2024:e2023065129  Resources:  Doctors for Dancers - https://doctorsfordancers.com International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) - https://www.iadms.org Submit your questions or topic suggestions! This podcast is for you, let us know what you want to hear more about:  doctordancemompodcast@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @drdancemompodcast YouTube: @Dr.DanceMomPodcast TikTok: @doctordancemom Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1aPGZP9TAo/?mibextid=wwXIfr If you’re looking for a dance medicine Physical Therapist in northern New Jersey, check out my practice!  Performers Edge Wellness is located in Sparta, NJ and serves artistic athletes such as dancers, cheerleaders and gymnasts as well as active individuals looking to eliminate pain and sustain an active lifestyle.  Follow:   Instagram: @performersedgewellness Facebook: Performers Edge Wellness TikTok: @performersedgewellness Subscribe to our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/performersedgewellness/socials-and-quick-sign-up To explore other services we provide, check out our website at www.performersedgewellness.com If you enjoyed this content, please leave us a review and tell your friends!

  8. Mar 6

    Creating Dance/Life Balance

    Send us Fan Mail Hosted by: Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT Guest: Angel Miller In this episode: This episode explores the complexities of balancing competitive dance, family life, and personal goals. Hosts Tara Christensen and Angel Miller share insights on managing training schedules, financial considerations, and supporting children's exploration of interests beyond dance. Main points:  Balancing dance training with family lifeResearching dance studios and schedulesFinancial considerations in competitive danceSupporting children's exploration of interestsThe importance of goal setting and communication Submit your questions or topic suggestions! This podcast is for you, let us know what you want to hear more about:  doctordancemompodcast@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @drdancemompodcast YouTube: @Dr.DanceMomPodcast TikTok: @doctordancemom Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1aPGZP9TAo/?mibextid=wwXIfr If you’re looking for a dance medicine Physical Therapist in northern New Jersey, check out my practice!  Performers Edge Wellness is located in Sparta, NJ and serves artistic athletes such as dancers, cheerleaders and gymnasts as well as active individuals looking to eliminate pain and sustain an active lifestyle.  Follow:   Instagram: @performersedgewellness Facebook: Performers Edge Wellness TikTok: @performersedgewellness Subscribe to our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/performersedgewellness/socials-and-quick-sign-up To explore other services we provide, check out our website at www.performersedgewellness.com If you enjoyed this content, please leave us a review and tell your friends!

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About

Perspectives and stories from my experience as a DPT who specializes in working with artistic athletes and active individuals and my experience navigating the competitive dance world with my daughter.

Information

  • Creator
    Tara Christensen PT, MS, DPT
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Dr. Dance Mom Podcast

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