Whether you’re about to step into your first pair of pointe shoes or preparing for tertiary dance training auditions like WAAPA, Physiotherapy Assessments for Dancers are a powerful tool to support your dance journey. These sessions are designed not as gatekeepers, but as springboards to guide development, reduce injury risk, and help dancers reach their goals safely and sustainably.
Let’s unpack what these assessments involve and why they’re a smart (and often essential) step for dancers at all levels.
Assessments for Full-Time & Tertiary Dance Training (e.g. WAAPA)
For dancers looking to enter full-time or tertiary training programs, such as those offered by WAAPA or other elite institutions, a physiotherapy assessment can be a crucial part of audition preparation and physical readiness.
What’s Involved?
Dancers should wear comfortable, fitted clothing, such as a leotard or crop top, and shorts, that allows freedom of movement and gives a clear view of posture, muscle control, and alignment.
The assessment begins with a brief conversation covering:
● Dance training history and injury background
● Other physical activities or sports
● Any known medical conditions
● Lifestyle factors including sleep, recovery, and nutrition
This helps build a holistic picture of the dancer and identify any risk factors for injury as they move into a more intensive training load.
Physical Testing May Include:
● Postural assessment and spinal mobility
● Core control and pelvic stability
● Joint range of motion and strength
● Functional screens such as turnout endurance and jump landing mechanics
● Neuromuscular coordination and muscular endurance
Why It’s Important
Full-time training brings with it a significant increase in both physical and mental demands. Without proper preparation, small imbalances or weaknesses can quickly lead to overuse injuries. A physiotherapy assessment helps dancers:
● Identify and address areas of concern before injury occurs
● Build confidence ahead of auditions or the transition to full-time training
● Understand their body and how to support it for longevity in dance
Pre-Pointe Assessments: Building Strong Foundations
Starting pointe work is a huge milestone, but it must be approached with care. A pre-pointe assessment ensures that a young dancer’s body is ready for the physical demands of pointe work, which places significant stress on the feet, ankles, and lower limbs.
What’s Involved?
As with full-time assessments, dancers are encouraged to wear shorts and a crop top, or a leotard, to allow accurate observation of movement and control.
Each session includes a brief history-taking to explore:
● Previous dance experience and injury history
● Other physical activities
● Medical background
● General lifestyle and recovery (e.g. sleep and diet)
Physical Testing Focuses On:
● Posture and alignment
● Core strength and stability
● Joint range of motion (especially through the hips, knees, ankles, and feet)
● Functional strength and control through the calves, intrinsic foot muscles, and turnout muscles
● Technical control during key movements like:
○ Fondu with turnout
○ Sauté alignment and control
○ Relevé strength and endurance
Why It’s Important
The goal of a pre-pointe assessment is not to pass or fail a dancer, it’s to highlight areas that may benefit from further development to support a safe and successful transition. Starting pointe work without adequate control or strength can increase the risk of injuries such as tendinopathy, stress fractures, or chronic pain.
By identifying these areas early, we can provide targeted exercises and education to help dancers progress with confidence and longevity in mind.
You Only Have One Body
Dance is a demanding art form that requires a high level of physical and mental commitment. These assessments, whether for pointe preparation or full-time training, are an investment in your future. They are designed to support, not limit, your journey as a dancer.
Physiotherapy Assessments for Dancers provides:
● Personalised feedback
● Injury prevention strategies
● Support for performance and recovery
● Tools for long-term success
Dance Assessments Available at Spearwood Physio
At Spearwood Physio, we proudly offer both pre-pointe assessments and tertiary/full-time dance screening sessions with Dana Drage—a WAAPA alumna and former soloist with Melbourne Dance Theatre (now the Victorian State Ballet).
Dana brings a unique blend of professional dance experience and physiotherapy knowledge to ensure every dancer receives expert, tailored care that makes sense both clinically and artistically.
We also offer:
● Dedicated private treatment rooms
● An on-site rehabilitation gym to work on any areas identified during the assessment
● Cutting-edge tools including:
○ ForceDecks – for detailed data on jump mechanics, symmetry, and power
○ Dynamo – for accurate strength and range of motion testing
These tools allow us to provide objective, measurable feedback to track progress and support safe, effective training.
Whether you’re preparing for your first pointe class or aiming for a full-time training program, we’re here to help you move forward with strength, confidence, and clarity.
Book your dance physiotherapy assessment with Dana today – and take the next step in your dance journey with the support your body deserves