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/
Want more Jessica Milner?
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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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00:00 A Troubling Dance Class Experience
00:33 Introduction to the Bendy Bodies Podcast
00:49 Welcoming Jennifer Milner
02:59 Challenges in the Dance World Today
04:25 Opportunities and Innovations in Dance
06:58 Understanding Hypermobility in Dancers
12:54 Advice for Pre-Professional Dancers
19:58 The Importance of Communication in Dance
21:54 Professional Dancers: Tips for Success
34:24 The Bendy Bodies Boutique
35:19 Understanding Flexibility vs. Hypermobility
36:51 Understanding Tightness and Flexibility
38:23 Active Flexibility and Strength
39:58 Dynamic vs Passive Stretching
42:35 Stretching for Hypermobility
45:16 Advice for Dance Parents and Teachers
50:53 The Role of Acro and Contortion in Dance
53:48 Challenges in Transitioning to Professional Dance
01:00:16 Competitions: Pros and Cons
01:05:05 Final Thoughts and Advice
