Dancing Stronger: Smarter Training for Bendy Bodies with Jennifer Milner (BEN 165)

In this empowering episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by OG Bendy Bodies cohost, Jennifer Milner.  Jen is a ballet coach, Pilates trainer, and specialist in working with hypermobile bodies. Together they explore why traditional movement cues don’t always work for bendy bodies, how dancers and athletes can train smarter (not harder), and what it really takes to move with strength when your body doesn’t follow the rules. From injury prevention to body awareness and emotional recovery, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone living in or coaching a flexible, fragile, or frequently misunderstood body.

Takeaways

• What if the training cues you’ve always heard—like “pull your belly button in”—are actually setting hypermobile dancers up for injury?

• Could “engage your glutes” or other classic instructions be doing more harm than good for bendy bodies?

• Discover how Jennifer helps dancers feel in control of their limbs—even when movement feels disconnected or confusing.

• Why do so many talented performers burn out early, and how can mindset shifts and body literacy turn that story around?

• Learn what it really means to train with your body instead of fighting against it—especially when your body doesn’t follow the rules.

References:

Pointe Safe by SF Performing Arts PT, Dr. Kendall Alway

https://www.sfperformingartspt.com/pointe-safe

Pre-pointe Assessment, Lisa Howell

https://theballetblog.com/blog/pointe-articles/pre-pointe-assessment/

Pointe Assessment Journal Article

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39723557/

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Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.

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YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠

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