EPISODE 59: I Am Dance Strong - A Movement Close To Our Hearts
- Dr. Ja'nae Brown
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
On Episode 59 of the Physical Therapy San Pedro Podcast, I had the privilege of sharing something that’s very close to the heart of PTSP—a movement that’s reshaping the dance world: I Am Dance Strong.
For far too long, dancers have felt pressure to stay quiet about pain. They’ve worried about losing roles, letting teachers down, or being replaced. But this culture of silence is changing. I Am Dance Strong is about rewriting that narrative: 🩰 no more hiding pain, 💪 no more silence, ❤️ putting health first so dancers can continue moving, performing, and thriving.
In this episode, I sat down with my colleague and our Dance Physical Therapist at PTSP, Dr. Maile Bay-Jacques, to discuss how we’re building a stronger, healthier, and more empowered dance community together.
A Movement Built on Collaboration
The I Am Dance Strong initiative grew out of collaboration. As a Sports Physical Therapist and owner of PTSP, I partnered with Dr. Bay, our Dance PT here at the clinic. Together, we teamed up with Cindy Bradley and Julianne Thompson of San Pedro City Ballet and Gabby Herrera of The Dance Factory. Before long, Kaercher’s Dance Lab joined in too.
What brought us all together was a shared concern: dancers weren’t speaking up about their pain, leaving teachers in the dark. By creating a culture of openness, we’re helping dancers and educators work hand-in-hand toward longer, healthier careers.
The Dancer’s Contract of Health
One of the most impactful tools we’ve introduced is the Dancer’s Contract of Health. This contract reassures students that their teachers want to know when something hurts, and that their peers will support them in recovery.
It also reinforces key commitments:
Parents as vital allies in a dancer’s health journey.
PTSP—and specifically Dr. Bay and myself—as trusted resources for both prevention and recovery.
Healthy habits like proper nutrition, cross-training, and open communication.
Every dancer signs with a powerful affirmation: ✨ “I am [Name], and I Am Dance Strong.”
Tools for Dancer Health: Check-Ins and Education
To make dancer wellness practical, we’ve developed resources such as the “How’s the Body Feeling?” worksheets, used during summer intensives and after major performances. These help track soreness, injuries, and barriers to care, giving teachers valuable feedback to adjust training loads.
We also created the PTSP Dance Anatomy Coloring Book, which allows dancers to visualize muscles and joints. This makes it easier for them to understand their own bodies, refine technique, and prevent injuries.
Strength & Conditioning for Dancers
One myth we love debunking at PTSP is the idea that strength training makes dancers “bulky.” The truth is, dance-specific conditioning builds:
Functional strength for control at end ranges.
Stability for turns, jumps, and extensions.
Muscle balance to reduce fatigue and overuse injuries.
Our classes combine mobility work, core activation, foam rolling, targeted strengthening, agility drills, and plyometrics—all tailored to complement dance, not compete with it. Even just two to three 30-minute sessions per week can completely transform a dancer’s performance and resilience.
Dance Physical Therapy: Bridging Recovery and Performance
Dance physical therapy is very different from general PT. It’s designed around the unique demands of dancers—turnout, pointe work, partner lifts, choreography. When a dancer comes to us, we don’t just treat the injury; we help them keep training safely while healing.
That often means:
Modifying movements to protect the body during recovery.
Collaborating with teachers to correct technique-related pain.
Using tools like video feedback, taping, and guided movement correction.
Our ultimate goal isn’t just getting dancers out of pain—it’s helping them return to the stage stronger, more confident, and more prepared than before.
Building a Healthier Dance Community
At its core, I Am Dance Strong is about cultural change. We’re moving from silence and fear to openness and strength. We’re equipping dancers with the knowledge, support, and physical preparation to thrive for the long run.
Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, or parent—you are part of this movement. Together, we can create a culture where dancers aren’t just artists, but also healthy athletes with long, vibrant careers.
Stay Connected & Take the Next Step
📅 Ready to put your health first? Book an in-person or virtual session with Dr. Bay at PTSP and start building your strength, resilience, and confidence.
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📍 Visit us: 415 W 6th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
Keep Dancing Strong ❤️,
Dr. Ja’nae Brown
Owner – Physical Therapy San Pedro
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