Mastering Pointe Shoe Fitting with Josephine Lee (The Pointe Shop)
Master pointe shoe fitter Josephine Lee (The Pointe Shop) joins Dr. Caroline Simpkins to demystify pointe shoe fitting—from shoe anatomy (box, shank, vamp, wings, platform) to how fit impacts technique, foot health, and injury risk.We cover common fitting mistakes, why pain is a red flag (not a rite of passage), spotting dead shoes, drying/rotating pairs, when jet glue helps, and why a professional fitting—in person or virtual—matters. Plus: trends in materials and emerging tech.Follow The Pointe Shop:Website: https://thepointeshop.comInstagram: @thepointeshopFacebook: @thepointeshopYouTube: @thepointeshopWatch Full Interview on YouTubeLogo Photo: Richard Calmes
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Miko Fogarty’s Journey from Ballet Dancer to Podiatry Doctor
Former ballet star Dr. Miko Fogarty joins the Ballet Science Podcast to share her journey from elite performer (“First Position,” YAGP, Birmingham Royal Ballet) to a foot & ankle surgery resident specializing in podiatric medicine.We cover injury prevention, why dead pointe shoes raise risk, alignment tips that protect feet, knees, and hips, and how expert pointe-shoe fitting keeps dancers healthy. Plus: career transition advice, biomechanics insights, and clinician–teacher collaboration.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 will 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.Watch On YouTubeLogo Photo Credit: Richard CalmesPerformance Photos Provided Courtesy of Miko Fogarty
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Hip Anatomy for Dancers | Muscles, Tendons, & Ligaments Explained
Welcome to The Ballet Science Podcast, where we bring science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities perform their best—both on stage and off. In this episode, host Caroline Simpkins, a former ballerina turned researcher, continues our series on hip anatomy and explores the soft tissues that power every ballet movement—muscles, tendons, and ligaments.You’ll learn how the hip flexors, extensors, abductors, adductors, and deep rotators work together to create turnout, extension, balance, and control. Caroline breaks down how the glutes, hamstrings, and rotator muscles stabilize the pelvis, protect the joints, and enhance performance.🎧 Listen to the full episode to discover why the hip joint is truly the center of movement in ballet—and how science can make your training smarter and safer.Watch this episode on YouTubeLogo Photo: Richard Calmes
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Hip Anatomy For Dancers | Bones Explained
Welcome to the Ballet Science Podcast, where dance meets science! In this episode, host Caroline Simpkins, a former ballerina turned researcher, breaks down the anatomy of the hip joint and explains how your bones, pelvis, and femur work together to support every turnout, arabesque, and développé.Learn how your unique hip structure affects turnout, flexibility, and alignment — and why understanding your bone anatomy can help prevent injuries like hip impingement and labral tears. Perfect for dancers, teachers, and movement enthusiasts who want to move smarter, not harder.Throughout this episode, I’ll be referencing a physical model of the hip that I have with me in the studio. I highly recommend checking out the video version of this episode, so you can follow along visually and get the most out of today’s discussion. Watch this episode on YouTubeLogo Photo: Richard Calmes
In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, host Caroline Simpkins — former ballerina turned researcher — shares highlights from the 2025 International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) Annual Conference in Las Vegas.Caroline recaps her award-winning study on ballet as a tool for fall prevention in older adults and walks through her top five favorite sessions, covering:Neurologic dance training as medicineScoliosis and dance injuriesMenopause and dancer health after 40New vs. dead pointe shoes and biomechanicsMusic, movement, and Parkinson’s rehabilitationThis episode is perfect for dancers, teachers, and anyone curious about how science and ballet intersect to improve health and performance.Visit the IADMS websiteCaroline Simpkins, Google ScholarLise Worthen-Chaudhari, Google ScholarWatch this episode on YouTubeLogo Photo: Richard Calmes
The Ballet Science podcast is hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., a former ballerina turned researcher. This podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performance both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we will explore the intersection of science and ballet—from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between.
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