Helping dancers and artistic athletes recover stronger, prevent injuries, and perform at their best.
Why Dancers & Artistic Athletes Need Specialized Care
Dancers, gymnasts, cheerleaders, and figure skaters push their bodies in ways most physical therapists don’t fully understand. The demands are artistic and athletic at the same time — extreme mobility, precise control, explosive power, and stage-ready grace.
At Dance Performance Training, this is our world. We help performing artists in Tampa Bay and throughout the nation stay healthy, overcome nagging pain, and unlock new levels of performance without endless stretching, extra classes, or burnout.
Who We Help & How
For over a decade, we’ve partnered with local competition studios, ballet companies, school dance programs, gymnastics gyms, and cheer teams across Tampa Bay. Hundreds of dancers and artistic athletes — from early training through professional careers — trust us to keep them performing pain free.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Competition Dancers – Extra floorwork and flexibility demands often mean sore knees, clicking hips, and pinching low backs. We help dancers build control so they can hit positions confidently, without relying on aggressive stretching or drills that don’t carry over to the stage.
- Ballet Dancers – From pre-pointe assessments to adagio work, we strengthen and refine the body so dancers can rise en pointe faster, with control, power, and artistry.
- Irish & Traditional Dancers – High-impact, rapid footwork puts massive stress on legs and knees. We build postural control and lower-body strength so dancers can blend speed, precision, and resilience.
- Cheerleaders & Gymnasts – Tumbling, jumps, and stunts demand explosive power and safe landing mechanics. We design programs to reduce injury risk while building the strength to perform at peak level.
- Figure Skaters – Balancing artistry with athleticism on ice requires ankle stability, core strength, and joint protection. Our training supports clean landings and fluid movement.
- Collegiate & Pre-Professional Dancers – Including the USF Sundolls, we help serious athletes maximize training time with efficient, targeted exercises. The result: faster progress, fewer injuries, more longevity.
How We’re Different
Walk into a typical PT clinic and you’ll see patients recovering from joint replacements, car accidents, or general aches and pains. A dancer might show up once in a while — but it’s not the clinic’s focus.
At Dance Performance Training, we’re 100% focused on dancers and artistic athletes. That’s our edge. We’ve spent over 10 years learning how to assess performers, blend physical therapy with performance training, and create plans that improve both recovery and artistry.
That’s why we’re trusted by:
- Professional ballet and Irish dancers
- Top Dance Studios
- BSDA, Contempo, LUX, West Florida, All American Dance Factory, FYI, and many more
- Collegiate dance programs like the USF Sundolls
What Dancers Usually Try First (and Why It Falls Short)
Most dancers arrive after trying everything else:
- Ice, heat, and anti-inflammatories
- Foam rolling and taping
- Chiropractors or ortho visits
- Hours of stretching, epsom salt baths, or massage guns
These may help for a day or two — but they don’t solve why the pain keeps coming back.
We take a deeper approach:
- Watching how your dancer moves, balances, and controls different positions
- Identifying muscles that are overworked vs. under-trained
- Designing a plan that fits real life — from a quick 5-minute warm-up before class, to a 20–30 minute plan 2x per week, to a full performance program
Our goal: keep dancers dancing, solve pain at its root, and build lasting improvements in strength, control, and artistry.
Every plan we design keeps your real life in mind. We ensure you have the time and equipment, and never feel stressed or rushed. We offer virtual sessions, short sessions, and 24/7 in app communication so you can see your exercises, chat with Dr. Scott, and see constant progress.
Success Stories
Book Your Free Next Step Strategy Call
Not sure what your dancer or artistic athlete really needs? In just 10 minutes, we’ll give you clarity on the best next step — whether that’s rest, a targeted stretch or drill, or starting a tailored program with us.
No pressure. Just answers. You’ll walk away with a plan — whether that’s working with us, another provider, or on your own.
Not ready to book yet? Download our free guide:
“Decode Dance Pain: The Parent’s Guide to Understanding & Preventing Injuries”
- Learn the 3 most common reasons dancers struggle with recurring pain
- How to tell when your dancer needs rest vs. when they should push forward
- Simple, practical tips to reduce injury risk without extra hours of training
FAQ
Do you accept insurance?
We’re an out-of-network, self-pay practice so we can give dancers the care they need without limits. We’ll provide receipts (“super-bills”) if you’d like to submit to your insurance.
Contact us with any questions. We offer packages and free tips to ensure you always have specialized help.
Do you offer weekend or evening sessions?
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Absolutely. We work with dancers across the U.S. and internationally, plus when dancers travel for competitions and auditions. Our video chat options make sure you never are without care.
How much does it cost?
We offer single sessions and packages for injury rehab, prevention, and performance training. Book your free call and we’ll help you find the right fit. See Packages Here
Can my dancer keep training while in physical therapy?
Do you only see dancers?
We specialize in dancers and artistic athletes, including gymnasts, cheerleaders, and figure skaters who share similar performance demands.
Plus, we regularly see the active siblings, parents, and even grandparents of our Artistic Athletes as well, from soccer players, runners, weight lifters, horseback riders, and more.
