Dance Med Spotlight

About Dance Med Spotlight

We dive into the world of dance medicine and science. Our goal is to provide valuable insights & practical knowledge to established professionals, individuals interested in working with dancers, and the dance community as a whole. Tune in to Dance Med Spotlight for amazing conversations with experts, dance industry professionals, & dance community members. Host: Alyssa Arms

Publisher

Alyssa Arms

Category

arts · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 May 2023

Latest episode

4 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

67 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Jun 2026

   Marisa Hollingsworth – Presenting Denver

   In this episode of Dance Med Spotlight (https://backinsteppt.com/dance-med-spotlight-podcast/), Dr. Alyssa (https://backinsteppt.com/media/) sits down with Marisa Hollingsworth, Executive and Artistic Director of Presenting Denver, to discuss her journey through the dance world and her work supporting artists and organizations throughout Colorado’s performing arts community. (https://youtu.be/hSdNatHWOBQ) We explore her journey from professional dancer to arts leader and advocate for Colorado’s dance community. Marisa shares her experiences training and performing with companies including Ballethnic Dance Company and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, and how those formative years shaped her approach to leadership in the arts. This conversation highlights the evolving realities of sustaining a career in dance and the importance of community-based organizations that support artists beyond performance alone. We also discuss how dance ecosystems can better integrate education, access to resources, and collaboration to support long-term artist wellbeing and career sustainability. Key Topics Discussed From Performer to Arts Leadership Marisa reflects on her transition from professional performance into nonprofit leadership and how her lived experience as a dancer informs her current work. The Mission of Presenting Denver A look at how Presenting Denver uplifts small to mid-sized companies, independent artists, and freelance dancers through programming, partnerships, and performance opportunities. Building Sustainable Dance Careers The importance of helping artists navigate career longevity through access to resources, education, and community support systems. Expanding Support Beyond Technique Conversations around financial literacy, legal awareness, and wellness resources that are increasingly essential in today’s dance landscape. The Future of Dance in Community Contexts Exploring emerging performance models including interdisciplinary work, immersive experiences, and dance for film. About the Guest Marisa Hollingsworth is the Executive and Artistic Director of Presenting Denver (https://presentingdenver.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and elevating artists, independent performers, and small to mid-sized arts organizations across Colorado. A former professional dancer, she performed with Ballethnic Dance Company and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble before transitioning into arts administration and nonprofit leadership. Her work focuses on building accessible opportunities, strengthening community connections, and supporting the long-term sustainability of the performing arts ecosystem. Connect with Presenting Denver Website: Presenting Denver (https://presentingdenver.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Instagram: @presentingdenver (https://www.instagram.com/presentingdenver/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Facebook: Presenting Denver (https://www.facebook.com/presentingdenver/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) YouTube: Presenting Denver (https://www.youtube.com/@presentingdenver3133?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Vimeo: Presenting Denver (https://vimeo.com/home?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Dance Med Spotlight explores conversations at the intersection of dance medicine, performance, and education—highlighting the clinical, creative, and community factors that support healthier and more sustainable dance careers. 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. The post Marisa Hollingsworth – Presenting Denver (https://backinsteppt.com/2026/06/04/marisa-hollingsworth-presenting-denver/) appeared first on Back In Step Physical Therapy (https://backinsteppt.com).

2. 

   9 May 2026

   Bethany Shum – Flexibility Matters

   In this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS (https://backinsteppt.com/media/) joined by London-based physiotherapist and performing arts medicine specialist Bethany Shum. (https://youtu.be/uPakmXE0fTo) 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 (https://www.growththroughmovement.com/) Learn more: www.fmphysio.com (http://www.fmphysio.com) Follow: @flexibility_matters (http://www.instagram.com/flexibility_matters) | @thecheerphysio (http://www.instagram.com/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. The post Bethany Shum – Flexibility Matters (https://backinsteppt.com/2026/05/09/bethany-shum-flexibility-matters/) appeared first on Back In Step Physical Therapy (https://backinsteppt.com).

3. 

   2 Apr 2026

   Shane Wuerthner – Athletistry

   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. (https://backinsteppt.com/media/) (https://youtu.be/JIs0Qwb8Q5Y) 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 About Our Guest 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. The post Shane Wuerthner – Athletistry (https://backinsteppt.com/2026/04/02/shane-wuerthner-athletistry/) appeared first on Back In Step Physical Therapy (https://backinsteppt.com).

Who has been a guest on Dance Med Spotlight

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Chelsea Pierotti
• Linda Bluestein
• Maria Haralambis
• Sheyi Ojofeitimi
• Monika Saigal

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

172

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

52

Social presence

0

YouTube

64

Engagement

30

Contact Dance Med Spotlight

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Dance Med Spotlight