Ep. 134 When Flexibility Becomes Instability with Dr. Linda Bluestein

Ep. 137 Spotlight Series: Common Dance Injuries with Tim Buckley

Physiotherapist Tim Buckley returns in this Spotlight Series episode to break down the most common dance injuries, how to spot the difference between normal soreness and actual injury, and why consistent training matters more than you think. From ankle sprains to shoulder issues, he explains what shows up most in different disciplines and shares prevention strategies that go beyond just "warm up better." If you've ever wondered when soreness crosses into injury territory, this one's for you. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-135-spotlight-series-common-dance-injuries-with-tim-buckley [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-135-spotlight-series-common-dance-injuries-with-tim-buckley] About Tim Tim Buckley is a Physiotherapist from Melbourne, Australia. He has worked exclusively with elite ballet dancers, circus artists and orchestral musicians during his 19 year career and has spoken twice at IADMS conferences in Australia and the USA. He was one of two full time physios with The Australian Ballet from 2006-2008 and toured Australia, China, England and France. He joined Cirque du Soleil in 2009 and toured Japan, South America and North America with ‘Corteo' and ‘Quidam', before settling in Montréal to work at Cirque's international headquarters as the Supervisor of Performance Medicine. Tim then toured again as the Head Physiotherapist on Cirque du Soleil's production, ‘Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities' in 2014-15, before moving back to Melbourne in 2016. After another year at The Australian Ballet and completing a Masters of Sports Physiotherapy, Tim re-joined Cirque du Soleil where he worked as a ‘fly-in' Head Physiotherapist on several touring shows including Amaluna, Volta, Crystal and Twas The Night Before, as well as in Montreal on various creation projects. Tim is currently the Senior Advisor of Performance Medicine Operations for Cirque du Soleil, providing clinical support to the physical therapy teams on Cirque's global touring shows. Tim is a consultant Physiotherapist for Acrobatic Arts Inc, providing input on the continuing development of their syllabus and programs. Tim also co-owns The Academy, a circus training center in London Ontario, with his wife Meaghan Wegg. www.theacademycircus.com [https://www.theacademycircus.com] Facebook: The Academy Circus [https://www.facebook.com/theacademycircus] Instagram: @theacademycircus [https://www.instagram.com/theacademycircus/] Previous Acrobatic Arts Podcast Episodes: Ep 7 Acrobatic Arts Australia, New Zealand and Asia Division Managers Meaghan Wegg and Tim Buckley - https://youtu.be/_npmTPXgEtU Ep [https://youtu.be/_npmTPXgEtU Ep] Ep 28 Physiotherapist Tim Buckley - Dance Injuries, Pt 1 - https://youtu.be/IsaiS8OmebI [https://youtu.be/IsaiS8OmebI] Ep 29 Physiotherapist Tim Buckley - Listener Questions, Pt 2 - https://youtu.be/e9OPbP9LhXg [https://youtu.be/e9OPbP9LhXg] Ep 71 Student vs Professional Training with Tim Buckley & Meaghan Wegg - https://youtu.be/C4nuWxfBrTo [https://youtu.be/C4nuWxfBrTo] Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts [https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts] Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/ [https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa [https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa] Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/]

Ep. 136 Back Tucks & Back Layouts with Leah Holliday

What makes a back tuck clean? When is a dancer really ready? And why does the technique matter more than just getting over? Leah Holliday returns to break down two of acro's most sought-after skills: the back tuck and back layout. This conversation goes beyond the mechanics. We talk about the mental blocks that stop progress, the drills teachers skip (and shouldn't), the spotting mistakes that compromise safety, and what it actually looks like when these skills are done right. If you've ever felt pressure to push a student faster than they're ready, or wondered why some dancers can do all the drills but can't commit to the skill, this episode will give you clarity and a path forward. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-136-back-tucks-back-layouts-with-leah-holliday [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-136-back-tucks-back-layouts-with-leah-holliday] About Leah Leah has been teaching acro and dance for over 25 years. She was born and raised in Regina, SK and studied dance and baton twirling at the Martin School of Dance. Not only was she known as a well accomplished dancer but she represented Canada in Baton Twirling at numerous World Championships as a soloist and team member. Leah has been with Acrobatic Arts for 5 years. She is a course conductor and examiner. Leah teaches dance and acro in Calgary, AB and she teachers Master Classes for Acrobatic Arts. Previous episodes with Leah Holliday: Ep 88 How to Spot Side Aerials with Leah Holliday - https://youtu.be/FznbWVjQUQM [https://youtu.be/FznbWVjQUQM] Ep 111 Teaching the Heli Tips Every Teacher Needs with Leah Holliday - https://youtu.be/bDN7cLJ6_x8 [https://youtu.be/bDN7cLJ6_x8] If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa] on YouTube. Subscribe Now [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbfF2uNpOZqLJohIO4w-PjA]! Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts [https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts] Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/ [https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/] Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/]

Ep. 135 Spotlight Series: Building a Dance Business with Purpose with Paul Malek

Paul Malek has built a lot of things. A pre-professional dance training centre. A production company. A media company. A 180-seat theatre. A movement for fair dancer pay that went global. And through all of it, one question has driven him: what does it actually take to create sustainable artists in a world that keeps changing? In this Spotlight Series episode, Loren sits down with Paul Malek, Director, Choreographer, Educator, and founder of Transit Dance in Melbourne, Australia. Paul talks about why being a great dancer is no longer enough, what it means to train artists who can build careers that last, and why curiosity might be the most important skill a dancer can develop. He also gets into the mental health side of the arts, his three guides for living and teaching, and what he wishes more dance teachers understood about the human being standing in front of them. If you're a studio owner, a teacher, or someone building something in this industry, this one is for you. A full transcription of the podcast is here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-135-building-a-dance-business-with-purpose-with-paul-malek [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-135-building-a-dance-business-with-purpose-with-paul-malek] About Paul Paul Malek is a renowned Director, Choreographer, and Educator whose influence extends across theatre and stage in Australia and across the globe. With a fervent dedication to artistic ingenuity, he ignites the ambitions of individuals, businesses, and communities, inspiring them to reach their full potential. Having received formal training in Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Paul's early career as a dancer and global performer took him on tours across 5 continents, honing his skills and leadership as a dance captain, rehearsal director, and company manager by the age of 26. Returning to Australia in 2007, the spirit of entrepreneurship beckoned Paul to venture into creating enterprises such as Collaboration the Project (2008 – 2015), which produced ground-breaking events like UNDRGRND Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, Immersed Melbourne Dance Industry Night, DANCE CHAT, DANCE CHAT LIVE, and Project Y (Youth Dance Company), in addition to steering over 16 professional production seasons and tours. This includes award-winning productions Yours Truly, Parkland Avenue and Unanswered. Paul's contributions to the artistic community manifest through his past roles as board member and President of Australian Teachers of Dancing International. A board member of Ausdance Victoria, and the inaugural Artistic Director of the Victorian Dance Festival. A founding member of Dancers Australia, MEAA, Paul champions fair pay for dancers across the industry which goes back to 2013 when he initiated the #paythedancers movement which reached global attention and has continued moving forward. Paul was the co-director of BOOM Media (2011 – 2015), a forward-thinking Marketing and Media Company dedicated to and led by dancers. During this time, he worked as a Videographer, Photographer and Film Editor along his choreographic and producing achievements. He was also the Director of Dance Architect choreographic award and the Dance Architect Education Summit. His choreographic proficiency shines through his work on television shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance Australia, alongside crafting captivating performances for numerous corporate events, award ceremonies, music videos and television commercials. A regular on the Dance Festival Circuit, Paul has taught and lectured at Australian Dance Festival, Victorian Dance Festival, MOVE IT London, Dance Summit New York, Come Together Dance Convention to name a few. In 2015, Paul founded Transit Dance, a ground-breaking endeavour that serves as a testament to his visionary leadership. As Artistic Director (2015 – 2024), he spearheaded a diverse spectrum of performance platforms and educational initiatives, housed within his innovative dance and performance precinct in Brunswick, Victoria. He currently continues his influence as Chairman of the Transit Dance Board of Directors. Beyond his instrumental role at Transit Dance, Paul stands as a prominent figure in the realm of motivational speaking, addressing audiences at corporate events, conventions, and festivals globally. As an avid dance photographer his artistic expression extends through his lens, capturing the essence of movement and grace, working alongside esteemed artists to bring their visions to life. Envisioning a world where art and inspiration intertwine seamlessly, Paul Malek strives to leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, shaping the future of dance and performance with his unparalleled vision and unwavering commitment to excellence. If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa] on YouTube. Subscribe Now [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbfF2uNpOZqLJohIO4w-PjA]! Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts [https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts] Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/ [https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/] Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/]

Ep. 134 When Flexibility Becomes Instability with Dr. Linda Bluestein

Two hypermobile dancers. Similar bodies, similar training. One builds a 20-year career. The other is in chronic pain by 16. What's the difference? That's the question Dr. Linda Bluestein is back to answer in Episode 134. A physician specializing in hypermobility and connective tissue disorders, Dr. Bluestein returns for her annual May conversation during EDS and Hypermobility Awareness Month, and this one goes somewhere we haven't gone before. Loren and Dr. Bluestein dig into what actually separates long-term outcomes for hypermobile dancers and AcroDancers, what yellow-light warning signs teachers are misreading as normal, why proprioception breaks down in hypermobile students and what you can do about it in a regular class setting, and how to help students shift their relationship with pain without creating fear or anxiety around movement. She also shares what new research is telling us about connective tissue disorders, why instability and hypermobility are not the same thing, and the one thing she wants every acro and dance teacher to do differently starting this week. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-134-when-flexibility-becomes-instability [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-134-when-flexibility-becomes-instability] Previous episodes with Dr. Linda Bluestein: Ep. 8 Informative Talk About Hypermobility Disorders: https://youtu.be/twtS7Q65P5s [https://youtu.be/twtS7Q65P5s] Ep. 20 The Hypermobility M.D.: https://youtu.be/tIIy5knAdkQ [https://youtu.be/tIIy5knAdkQ] Ep. 35 Hypermobility + the Dancer: https://youtu.be/w_a3I8U6aGM [https://youtu.be/w_a3I8U6aGM] Ep. 65 Hypermobility Disorders: The Power of Proactivity: https://youtu.be/55KE6ASXAaI [https://youtu.be/55KE6ASXAaI] Ep. 85 Hypermobility: Separating Fact from Fiction: https://youtu.be/FXykPixwBRw [https://youtu.be/FXykPixwBRw] Ep. 109 Beyond Flexibility: Recognizing and Supporting Hypermobility in Dancers: https://youtu.be/FXykPixwBRw [https://youtu.be/FXykPixwBRw] About Dr. Linda Bluestein In addition to her private medical practice, Hypermobility MD [https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/], Dr. Bluestein is the founder and co-host of the podcast, Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD [https://bendybodies.org/], and former co-host of “Hypermobility Happy Hour.” Dr. Bluestein is the Director of Education for the nonprofit, EDS Wellness, Inc. and founder and executive director of Bendy Bodies, an organization dedicated to empowering hypermobile performing artists. She has published a number of original research papers; presents work at national and international conferences, and is a contributing author for the book, Disjointed [https://www.amazon.com/Disjointed-Navigating-hypermobile-Ehlers-Danlos-Hypermobility/dp/1734794909] - Navigating the Diagnosis and Management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders [https://www.amazon.com/Disjointed-Navigating-hypermobile-Ehlers-Danlos-Hypermobility/dp/1734794909]. Dr. Bluestein is a member of the Board of Directors for the Bridge Dance Project, the Allergy and Immunology Working Group for the International Consortium on EDS and HSD, the Advisory Board for Doctors for Dancers, and the Resources Committee for the Dance Healthy Alliance of Canada. More information about Dr. Bluestein can be found on her website, www.hypermobilitymd.com [https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/]. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-134-when-flexibility-becomes-instability [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-134-when-flexibility-becomes-instability] Links: Hypermobility MD [https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/] Hypermodbility MD Podcast [https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/podcast] Bendy Bodies [https://bendybodies.org/] If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa] on YouTube. Subscribe Now [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbfF2uNpOZqLJohIO4w-PjA]! Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts [https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts] Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/ [https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/] Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/]

Ep. 133 Spotlight Series: Square Splits, Mobility and the Nervous System with Erika Mayall

Physiotherapist Erika Mayall answers three questions teachers ask all the time: why dancers struggle with square hip splits, what a well-designed mobility program actually needs to include, and how the nervous system can quietly limit range of motion even when muscle length isn't the problem. Science-based, practical, and worth sharing with your whole team. About Erika Erika Mayall Physiotherapist MPT, HBSc(Kin), CAFCI, FCAMPT Erika is a registered physiotherapist and the owner of Allegro Performance + Wellness, a boutique physiotherapy clinic in North Vancouver that specializes in treating dancers and other artistic athletes. As a former elite dancer, Erika's passion lies not just in treating injuries, but also in injury prevention and maximizing performance potential. Erika has a passion for education within the dance community, and is the host of The Dance Physio Podcast where she aims to bridge the gap between dance science and the studio. Erika has completed specialized training in the field of dance medicine in Australia, Canada and the United States. She is a frequent invited guest speaker on the topic of dance medicine and science locally, nationally and internationally and teaches workshops on the same topics to dancers and dance educators. If you're interested in learning more about the nervous system's involvement in flexibility training, visit https://www.allegroperformance.com/flexibility-foundations [https://www.allegroperformance.com/flexibility-foundations] for more information. A full transcription of the podcast is here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-133-spotlight-series-square-splits-mobility-and-the-nervous-system-with-erika-mayall If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa] on YouTube. Subscribe Now [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbfF2uNpOZqLJohIO4w-PjA]! Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts [https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts] Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/ [https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/] Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/]