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: @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 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 audition
• When to consider in-person vs a video audition
• How 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: @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

Support the show

Support the show

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: @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

Support the show

Support the show