Dancers Are Ignoring This Critical Foot Knowledge

Explore the incredible structure of the human foot with Ballet Science! In this episode, Caroline Simpkins, former ballerina turned researcher, breaks down the 26 bones of the foot, including the hindfoot (talus and calcaneus), midfoot (navicular, cuboid, and cuneiforms), and forefoot (metatarsals and phalanges). Learn about the medial, lateral, and transverse arches, the sesamoid bones, and how foot alignment impacts balance, jump power, and overall performance in dance. Perfect for dancers, teachers, and movement enthusiasts seeking to enhance their technique, prevent injury, and comprehend the biomechanics behind every step, jump, and pointe. Follow Ballet Science: Website: https://ballet.science Instagram:   / ballet.science   Facebook:   / ballet.science   X: https://x.com/ballet_science Foot & Ankle Model Link: https://amzn.to/4nKxDVb Timestamps: 00:00 – 🎙️ Welcome To The Ballet Science Podcast 01:01 – 🦶 Introduction To The Bones Of The Human Foot 02:01 – 🦴 Hindfoot: Talus And Calcaneus 03:50 – 🧩 Midfoot: Navicular, Cuboid & Cuneiforms 04:34 – 🌉 Medial Longitudinal Arch: Structure & Support 05:08 – 🪜 Lateral Longitudinal Arch: Stability & Side-To-Side Movement 05:37 – 🕸️ Transverse Arch: Width, Shape & Weight Bearing 06:12 – 👣 Forefoot: Metatarsals & Phalanges 08:00 – 🫘 Sesamoids: Tiny Bones With A Big Role 08:36 – 📊 Summary & Ballet Applications 09:50 – 🧠 Next Episode Preview: Foot Muscles, Ligaments & Tendons 10:10 – ✨ Thank You For Tuning In & How To Stay Connected 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 subscribe, 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. Logo Photo Credit: Richard Calmes