When a dancer loses their balance mid-turn or stumbles during a lift, it’s more than an embarrassing wobble—it’s a red flag signaling underlying neuromuscular, vestibular, or proprioceptive challenges. In this episode of the Dance PT Podcast, Jenna Kantor, PT, DPT, Dance PT Certified, dives deep into the complex world of balance in dancers, exploring why traditional cues like “tighten your core” aren’t always enough, and how physical therapists and PTAs can assess, identify, and address the subtle deficits that sabotage performance and increase injury risk.You’ll hear about:Common balance red flags in dancers, from overcorrecting during turns to dizziness with spottingHow glute and core strength, proprioception, vestibular input, visual tracking, and even medications influence balanceEvidence-based assessment strategies for static and dynamic balance, postural alignment, reaction time, and vestibular functionBuilding a dancer-specific balance plan that integrates single-leg stability, turnout and pelvis control, head movement desensitization, foot intrinsic strengthening, vestibular retraining, and breath-core coordinationHow dance-focused PT interventions restore trust in the body, improve technique, prevent injury, and extend a dancer’s careerBacked by current research and clinical experience, this episode provides PTs and PTAs with actionable insights and assessment tools to elevate their dance rehabilitation practice. Whether you’re working with elite performers, students, or hobbyists, this episode will help you understand the “why” behind balance issues and give you strategies to restore confidence and control in your dancers’ movements.Join Jenna to learn how to connect the science of balance with the artistry of dance, and discover how your expertise can keep dancers safe, resilient, and performing at their best.Connect with the community: Join the Dance PT Facebook Group to share cases, insights, and strategies with other dance-focused PTs and PTAs. For more in-depth learning, including CEU opportunities designed for dance rehabilitation and practice growth, check out the Dance PT Program at danceptprogram.com.