For a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student at The George Washington University (GW) — Elle McNeill, her last clinical experience at the Boston Ballet represents more than a requirement for graduation—it reflects the connection of a lifelong passion and a developing professional career. Growing up as a ballet dancer, she was first introduced to physical therapy through her own experiences managing chronic dance-related injuries. “The dance studio where I trained had physical therapists on site,” she shared. “Even though I didn’t have major injuries, I was constantly working with them, and I fell in love with the concept of becoming a physical therapist myself.”
This early exposure shaped her interest in pursuing physical therapy within a dance environment. Prior to entering PT school, she continued to explore this interest through shadowing experiences, which reinforced her goal of one day working with dancers. After learning that an adjunct faculty member– Erin Baumann, PT, DPT, OCS– had prior experience working with the Boston Ballet, she reached out, expressed her interest in doing the same, and secured an interview. “It’s always been a dream of mine to work with dancers,” McNeill said. “I feel really lucky that I get to do it in this capacity.”
The clinical experience at the Boston Ballet offers a distinct model of care that blends aspects of outpatient orthopedics with performance-based rehabilitation. Early on in the rotation, McNeill’s schedule followed a clinic-based structure in which dancers independently signed up for treatment sessions. Without the ability to perform chart reviews beforehand, she was required to adapt quickly and rely on real-time clinical reasoning. “You don’t know what you’re walking into—you just have to be ready,” McNeill explained.
As the Boston Ballet transitioned into performance season, McNeill’s role evolved into a more acute, on-site setting within the theater. Here, physical therapists provide immediate care to dancers during rehearsals and performances, often focusing on symptom management techniques such as manual therapy and taping to support a safe return to the stage. While the pace and demands differ from traditional outpatient settings, the overall skills remain rooted in orthopedic rehabilitation principles.
The GW DPT curriculum played a critical role in preparing McNeill for this experience. Foundational musculoskeletal (MSK) coursework provided essential clinical knowledge, while a manual therapy elective allowed her to further develop hands-on skills applicable to the Boston Ballet. She also emphasized the importance of completing a prior outpatient orthopedic clinical rotation, which provided exposure to general patient populations and established a strong clinical foundation before entering this highly specialized environment.
One defining characteristic of the Boston Ballet clinical experience is the continuity of care. Unlike traditional outpatient clinics, where patients may be seen a few times per week, dancers are often treated daily. This allows for consistent reassessment, progression of interventions, and the development of strong patient-therapist rapport. Additionally, McNeill has gained exposure to common ballet-specific injuries — particularly involving the foot and ankle — which has significantly advanced her manual therapy skills. “I’ve done more manual therapy here than anywhere else,” she noted. “My clinical instructors are incredibly experienced, and I’ve learned so much just by working alongside them.”
Beyond technical skill development, the experience has reinforced the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. Working with professional dancers has highlighted the influence of factors such as sleep, nutrition, and mental health on recovery and performance. “Sometimes addressing those factors is what really makes a difference,” McNeill explained. During this rotation she expanded her understanding of the physical therapist’s role within this particular population. Many dancers rely on physical therapists as consistent points of contact within the healthcare system. As a result, clinicians often provide guidance beyond musculoskeletal care, including general health concerns and care coordination. This has further emphasized the importance of communication, adaptability, and patient-centered care.
Reflecting on the experience, McNeill describes her clinical experience with the Boston Ballet as transformative in shaping her development as a future physical therapist. The combination of advanced clinical exposure, mentorship, and patient interaction strengthened both her clinical reasoning and hands-on skills. “It has made me want to be a more holistic clinician,” McNeill shared, “and it reinforced for me the value of manual therapy – not just for treatment, but for building trust and understanding with patients.”
For current GW DPT students interested in pursuing specialized clinical experiences, she offers several key recommendations. First, she encourages students to remain confident in the foundational knowledge gained through the curriculum. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and think you don’t know anything,” McNeill stated. “But you do – bring that knowledge with you.” She also emphasizes the importance of curiosity and engagement. “You’re often working with clinicians who are incredibly experienced,” McNeill added. “Ask questions, learn from them, and take advantage of that opportunity.”
Finally, McNeill highlights the value of taking initiative in finding specialized mentorship. “If you’re interested in something like performing arts or sports, don’t be afraid to go after it,” she said. “A lot of these experiences come from making connections.”
As she prepares to graduate and transition to professional practice, this clinical experience serves as a foundation for her holistic, patient-centered approach to care.