In this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS joined by London-based physiotherapist and performing arts medicine specialist Bethany Shum.

Bethany is the founder of Flexibility Matters Physio and works with performers at the National Centre for Circus Arts. Her work spans circus artists, dancers, cheerleaders, and other high-level performers navigating the demands of flexibility, strength, and performance.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• How to differentiate between training-related soreness and pain that may signal a problem
• The “no pain, no gain” mindset in performing arts—and how it impacts long-term health
• Hypermobility in dancers and performers: when it helps and when it creates challenges
• What it looks like to support pre-professional circus artists in a high-demand training environment
• Bethany’s journey from athlete to specialist physiotherapist

This episode is especially relevant for dancers, circus artists, cheerleaders, and clinicians working in performing arts medicine who want a more nuanced understanding of pain, flexibility, and performance.

Listen to Bethany’s podcast: Growth Through Movement
Learn more: www.fmphysio.com
Follow: @flexibility_matters | @thecheerphysio

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.

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This episode features a conversation with Shane Wuerthner, a former professional ballet dancer turned coach and educator who is passionate about bridging the gap between classical ballet and modern sports science. Hosted by Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS.

After a 12-year international career, Shane now helps dancers train smarter and stay healthier. Instead of pushing harder or stretching more, he focuses on helping dancers understand how their bodies work. As the founder of Athletistry, he brings together ballet, strength training, anatomy, and mindset.

In this episode, we talk about how dance training is changing. For example, we look at how traditional class structure and corrections may not always match what we now know about the body. We also discuss how strength training and cross-training can support both performance and injury risk reduction.

In addition, Shane shares why a long-term approach matters. Rather than chasing quick results, dancers benefit from building strength, improving body awareness, and practicing with intention over time.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How ballet and sports science can work together
• Why some traditional training methods may need to evolve
• How strength training supports dancers
• Why understanding anatomy can reduce injury risk
• The value of a long-term, sustainable approach

Shane Wuerthner is a former professional ballet dancer and certified fitness professional who now works as a coach, educator, and ballet teacher. He is the founder of Athletistry, an education platform designed to help dancers integrate technique, strength training, anatomy, and mindset into their training.

Learn more and connect with Shane:

• Workshops: Athletistry.au/workshops
• YouTube: youtube.com/@athletistryofficial
• Instagram: instagram.com/athletistry
• TikTok: tiktok.com/athletistry
• Facebook: facebook.com/athletistry

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.

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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.

• 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.

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.

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