The Dance Physio Podcast

In this week's episode, I'm joined by guest Jamie Hodgins to discuss protection and safeguarding in the dance industry. It's no secret that there is no regulation or governing body within the dance indsutry. Not only does this mean little standardization across the industry, it also means no consistent rules regarding how dancer's data and privacy is maintained and protected.

Inspired by the structure and protections seen in youth sports, Jamie has helped pioneer a secure, centralized system to protect dancer media, verify identities, and create a lasting record of achievements. His mission is to unite studios and competitions under a shared vision of fairness, transparency, and opportunity, ensuring that dancers and their families feel supported and safe at every step of their journey.

About Jamie
Jamie Hodgins is a celebrated force in the competitive dance world, bringing over two decades of experience as a performer, choreographer, adjudicator, competition director, casting agent, and producer to his role as Executive Director of the International Competitive Dancer Registry (ICDR). From dancing alongside global icons like Madonna, Ariana Grande, Nick Jonas, and Demi Lovato to producing groundbreaking events and virtual productions, Jamie’s career has been defined by artistic excellence and a relentless drive to improve the industry he loves and calls home.

As a performer, Jamie’s credits include Disney’s Camp Rock 2, Broadway’s last professional tour edition of Hairspray with George Wendt, and leading roles in award-winning films like History Television’s Death or Canada. He has worked with luminaries such as Marvin Hamlisch, Chita Rivera, and Sean Cheesman, building a repertoire that spans hip-hop, ballet, contemporary, and musical theatre. Behind the scenes, Jamie has directed productions for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Ballet of Canada, and RuPaul's All Stars winner Jimbo, among others.

Whether working with global stars or the next generation of talent, Jamie Hodgins is an innovator dedicated to giving back to the dance community by building an industry that prioritizes artistry, integrity, and safety. His expertise, combined with a passion for collaboration and change, cements his legacy as a disruptor bringing positive transformation to the arenas and stages dancers call home.

Connect with Jamie:
Website: www.icdrdance.com
Instagram: @jamie_hodgins
IDCR Instagram: @icdr.dance

Episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 30: Regulation in the Dance Industry

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

I want to share Ballet BC’s upcoming program Bodies and Voices – happening Nov 5,6,7 in Vancouver.

This program features 2 works from Dutch sibling choreographic duo Imre and Marne van Opstal - the North American debut of ‘I’m afraid to forget your smile’ performed live onstage with singers from the Vancouver Chamber Choir, along with the world premiere of Miriam.

Use code ALLEGRO15 for 15% off your tickets at balletbc.com.

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With the high training loads and physical demands on dancers, overtraining can become a serious issue. In this episode, we break down what overtraining actually is, some of the signs & symptoms to be aware of with overtraining, as well as strategies you can implement with your dancers to help prevent and address the issue of overtraining.

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 10: Training Load Management for Dancers
Episode 6: Periodization in Dance
Episode 9:Rest and Recovery for Dancers

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

I want to share Ballet BC’s upcoming program Bodies and Voices – happening Nov 5,6,7 in Vancouver.

This program features 2 works from Dutch sibling choreographic duo Imre and Marne van Opstal - the North American debut of ‘I’m afraid to forget your smile’ performed live onstage with singers from the Vancouver Chamber Choir, along with the world premiere of Miriam.

Use code ALLEGRO15 for 15% off your tickets at balletbc.com.

Support the show

There is a lot of discussion about how to manage knee hyperextension in dancers, but less so when it comes to the elbows. The elbows are not designed as a primary weight-bearing joint, however many styles of dance require them to become weight-bearing. In this episode, we discuss the anatomy of the elbow joint and what makes it different from the knee joint, as well as how to manage hyperextension in the elbow when it is in a weight-bearing position.

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 37: Managing Knee Hyperextension in Dancers

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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On the podcast, we spend a lot of time talking about the physical health of dancers. This week's podcast shifts gears just a little bit to focus more on the mental side of health and wellness. And I couldn't think of a better guest to have on than former professional ballet dancer turned sports psychologist Dr. Chelsea Pierotti. In this episode, we discuss creating healthy studio and team cultures in the dance world. Dr. Pierotti shares how focusing on process oriented goals, celebrating small wins and normalizing rest & recovery can help contribute to healthy cultures.

About Chelsea:
Dr. Chelsea Pierotti was trained as a studio dancer in the Denver area, and spent summers training with professional ballet companies, finishing her performance career as a professional ballet dancer in Colorado. Chelsea was also a successful high school dance coach for over a decade. She won multiple State Championship titles and was recognized as Colorado’s Dance Coach of the Year and twice as the National Dance Coaches Association’s Associate of the Year.

Outside of coaching, Chelsea also has a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology and is a Teaching Associate Professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Chelsea currently runs a company providing online and in-person educational resources for dancers and dance educators where her mission is to create happier, more successful dancers, through positive mental skills. She specializes in many areas of mental toughness including confidence, resilience, motivation, mindset, and leadership.

Connect with Chelsea:
Website: https://www.chelseapierotti.com/
Podcast: Passion for Dance Podcast
Instagram: @dr.chelsea.pierotti

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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Dance has powerful health benefits, especially for adult populations. In this episode, we dive into the physical benefits, the mental & cognitive benefits and the social & emotional benefits of dance and how they stack up against other physical activities when it comes to preventative health.

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 124: 5 Pillars of Longevity for Adult Dancers

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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Most people within the dance industry are now starting to understand and accept the importance of strength training for dancers. But a lot of what we see presented as 'strength' training may not actually fit the criteria. In this episode, we explore the difference between strength training and dance specific conditioning and discuss when we might consider using one vs the other.

Resources:
Jason Harrison @presenttensefitness

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 7: Dance Conditioning - Cross training vs supplementary training
Episode 55: Strength Training for Dancers
Episode 137: The #1 Functional Task Most Dancers Struggle With

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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In this episode we discuss all things related to meniscus injuries in dance. You'll learn what the meniscus is, why it's important for the function of the knee, as well as common ways that dancers can injure their meniscus. We also discuss different types of meniscus injuries, how to diagnose and treat them, and finally what rehabilitation from meniscal injuries looks like.

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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More and more dancers are interested in careers in and around dance medicine, but relatively little information exists about pathways into these careers. In this episode, I discuss some of the options for dancers who are interested in pursuing dance medicine and science pathways for post secondary education.

Resources:
IADMS Student and Early Career Professionals page
Dance Magazine College Guide
NEDO Dance College Guide

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 1: My Journey as a Dance Physiotherapist

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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Unfortunately injuries are a common occurrence in the dance industry, but knowing what to do when one occurs can make an uncertain or scary situation a bit more manageable. In this episode, I answer the question of who to go see when an injury occurs, as well as what sort of questions you should be asking your healthcare provider and the information you should be equipped with when you leave your appointment.

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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Back by popular demand, another Q&A style episode.

In part 4 of this series, we tackle questions like

• How to best implement strength training into your studio schedule
• How to improve arabesque and developpé height safely
• How to deal with dance teachers crossing professional boundaries
• And, how to support dancers who 'know' they need strength training, but resist it

Have a question you want answered on a future episode? Send me an email or a DM on social media and I'll add it to the list for next time!

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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The start of the new dance season is just around the corner, and with it comes an increase in early season dance injuries. On this week's episode we're discussing why we see a spike in injuries at the beginning of the season, what dancer's should be doing NOW (ie before the season starts) to prepare their body, and what they should be doing the first 4-6 weeks of the season to make sure your season isn't derailed by injury when it's just getting started.

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 6: Periodization in Dance
Episode 10: Training Load Management for Dancershttps://www.allegroperformance.com/podcast/episode-1-my-journey-as-a-dance-physiotherapist?rq=journey

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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A bit of a different podcast episode this week as I've recently returned from the Calgary Dance Teacher Expo and I wanted to share some of the my experience and reflections on the event. Have a listen to hear about the expo, what I thought about both exhibiting and presenting, as well as my key take-aways from the event.

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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In this week's podcast episode, I am fortunate to sit down with Dr Stephanie Potreck from AusDancersOverseas. Dr. Potreck is a sports nutritionist and expert in the field of low energy availability and especially how it affects dancers health and performance. In this conversation, we discuss her journey in the dance world and transition into medicine, how the field is rapidly changing, and whether RED-S/RED-D exists as a separate entity or whether it is tied to the larger picture of stress physiology/allostatic load.

*disclaimer: please be aware that this episode discusses topics including eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image. Some of the discussions may be triggering for individuals currently struggling with or in recovery*

About Stephanie:
Dr. Stephanie Potreck is a medical doctor, sports nutritionist, researcher and former dancer whose work challenges the idea that complex health problems have simple explanations.

Her clinical and research interests include low energy availability, eating disorders, stress physiology, female athlete health and the unique demands of dance. She is particularly interested in the overlap between REDs, allostatic load and the broader neuroendocrine adaptations seen in athletes under chronic physical and psychological stress.

Stephanie is passionate about translating science into practical conversations that empower dancers, clinicians and educators to ask better questions; not just arrive at faster answers

Connect with Stephanie:
Substack: Life of a Dance Nutrition Doctor
Instagram: @AusDancersOverseas

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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Balance is a complex task that requires skilled practice, especially at the level required by dancers. Simply standing on one leg in a static passé or relevé position is often not enough to see the improvements most dancers are looking for. In this episode, I break down the 3 major components of balance, and why understanding what is affecting our balance is the key to training it effectively.

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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It’s no secret that the demands for flexibility have increased in the dance world in recent years. But what about those students who seem to hit a flexibility plateau so matter how much stretching they do? In this episode, I discuss 5 things that could be limiting your dancer's flexibility progress, despite them working hard and stretching regularly.

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 11: Flexibility for Dancers Part 1 - Flexibility vs Mobility
Episode 12: Flexibility for Dancers Part 2 - The Truth About Overstretching
Episode 13: Flexibility for Dancers Part 3 - The Nervous System's Role in Mobility
Episode 14: Flexibility for Dancers Part 4 - Active Mobility

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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A common goal amongst dancers is wanting to improve their pointe range or their arch. But is this actually possible? In this episode, we dive into the factors that are involved in pointe range, figuring out where the limitations might be coming from, and whether we can change them through exercise and training.

Additional podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Episode 57: The Truth About Foot Stretchershttps://www.allegroperformance.com/podcast/episode-1-my-journey-as-a-dance-physiotherapist?rq=journey

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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This past week there was a major dance media outlet that published an article and social media post with some problematic language around 'gripping in the quads'. In this week's podcast episode, I unpack what was so problematic and why it matters to dancers, as well as what gripping in the quads actually means and how we can address it in a productive way.

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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On this week's episode, I'm joined by ballet educator, mentor and founder of Ballet Reeducation - Austin Crumley. We discuss his journey from professional dancer to professional educator, his unique approach to teaching ballet for the 21st century, and how we can use what research and dance science tells us to inform and progress ballet education.

About Austin:
Austin Crumley is a ballet educator, pedagogy researcher, and the founder of Ballet Reeducation (BRe) — a professional development platform built at the intersection of pedagogy, psychology, and dance science. His work centers on one persistent tension in the field: the gap between what tradition tells us to teach and what research informs us to teach. BRe exists to close it.

Austin holds a BFA in Ballet Pedagogy from The University of Oklahoma, home to one of the top dance programs in the country, where he trained under Mary Margaret Holt, Clara Cravey Stanley, Ilya Kozadayev, and Jeremy Lindberg. He went on to earn his M.Ed from Hope International University, bringing the rigor of formal education theory into a field that has long relied on oral tradition and intuition alone.

Before transitioning into education full-time, Austin danced professionally with the Sacramento Ballet, performing leading and ensemble roles in works by George Balanchine, Gerald Arpino, Ma Cong, Jock Soto, and Darrell Moultrie. That experience as a working dancer informs everything about how he teaches. He understands what it actually costs to execute the things we ask dancers to do.

Through Ballet Reeducation, Austin has worked directly with over 100 dance teachers through the Summer Training Lab (his signature annual program) alongside individual consultations and workshops. His approach is grounded in nervous-system science, neurodivergent-inclusive practice, and a commitment to teaching ballet as a physical discipline that deserves the same evidence-based rigor as any other. He is currently developing consulting partnerships with leading performing arts institutions and continues to shape what modernized ballet pedagogy can look like in real classrooms.

Austin also teaches Biology and AP Biology at the California School of the Arts–San Gabriel Valley, where the overlap between biological science and movement education is less irony and more daily practice.”

Connect with Austin:
Website: Ballet Reeducation
Instagram: @TheBalletEducator

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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The concept of light as a healing element has been around for thousands of years, but it's only been recently that Red Light Therapy has become a popular modality for healing and wellness.

In this week's podcast, I break down what Red Light Therapy is, how different types of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum affect cellular function, the specific benefits of different types of bioactive light, and how dancers can use Red Light Therapy to promote healing and recovery.

Check out my favourite source for trusted red light products - Fringe Heals. Summer Sale on July 6 - 12 - 20% sitewide, no code needed!

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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Functional tasks, or fundamental movement patterns, are movements that lay the foundation for more complicated movement patterns. They are often considered essential movements for activities of daily living, and are some of the first movement patterns we develop as babies and toddlers when we're learning gross motor skills.

Dancers spend endless hours training complex and highly skilled movement patterns, sometimes at the expense of these foundational movement patterns.

In this week's podcast, I discuss the #1 functional task that I see dancers struggle with in the clinic and why it matters for more than just injury prevention.

Learn more about Erika Mayall:

• Follow me on Instagram: @dancephysioerika
• Learn more about me on my website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
• Sign up for my newsletter: Click here
• Send me an email: hello@allegroperformance.com

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