dance science

Learn more about me and the field of Dance Science.

I help Dancers & Dance Educators understand and apply Dance Science principles through Resources, Master Classes, Training Sessions, Mentoring, Injury Risk Assessments, and more.
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Both Dancers & Educators benefit.

This is a scapulae stabilization exercise that will improve your arm & shoulder placement! Dance Science is about educating our dancers to have more anatomical awareness.

Become a smarter dancer.

By learning about Anatomy from a young age, you'll be setting yourself up with a strong foundation that will carry into all areas of your life. 

Become a smarter educator.

Dance Science allows you to teach from a deeper, more anatomical place. It will enhance your pedagogy and make you a smarter Educator.

Make the dance world better.

Together, we make the dance world a better and more positive place.
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LEARN DANCE SCIENCE IN A WAY THAT WORKS FOR YOU.

The Tier System

1 - Printables

For those looking for something general, quick, & low cost.

2 - Mini-Courses

For those looking for something more in depth & 1-2 hours of content.

3 - Full Courses

For those looking for advanced-level content & more time, money, and effort. 
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My educational experience

I have education in both the Dance world & Kinesiology world.

2013 - 2018

Bachelors of Science in Dance (Honors)

Wayne State University

2017 - 2019

Masters in Kinesiology (Exercise Science)  (Honors)

Wayne State University

2020 - Current

Ph.D. in Health & Human Performance 

Concordia University Chicago
dance science

Dance Science is an umbrella term: 

That covers a wide range of topics, such as:

balance & propripception.

pointe readiness.

MOTOR LEARNING.

dance somatics.

cross-training.

Dance psychology.

dance nutrition.

Maria Haralambis, M.Ed., NASM CES, FMT is a current Ph.D. student, Adjunct Faculty, Social Media Manager, Pre-Pro Ballet Teacher, & CEO of The Dance Scientist, L.L.C. 

  • In the past 11 years, she’s made a lot of accomplishments, including being interviewed and featured by Dance Magazine. You can see her in the November 2024 issue! 
  • She’s a Dance Scientist & Dance Educator who holds a B.S. in Dance (with Honors), an M.Ed. in Kinesiology (with Honors) and is a current Ph.D student studying Health & Human Performance.
  • Her current and former students have attended the following competitions and intensives: YAGP, Universal Ballet Competition, Cecchetti Ballet Intensive at Hope College, ABT Summer Intensive, Grand Rapids Ballet Summer Intensives and have won several awards and scholarships over the years. Some of them are now dancing professionally in companies such as Florida Ballet and Portland Ballet. 
  • She holds certifications in Stott Pilates (including ISP) Acrobatic Arts, Cecchetti, Rock Tape, NASM Corrective Exercise, and First Aid. Her Pilates certification requires her to take CECs every year & she enjoys being able to continuously add new tools to her toolbox. She is an active member of over ten organizations that span Dance, Dance Science, Fitness, Exercise Science, and Pilates. Through these organizations, she has attended over 50 workshops and conferences.
  • For her Masters Thesis, she conducted her own research study in a Motor Learning lab that analyzed dancers’ balance skills using a computerized forceplate known as the Balance Master. 
  • In her pedagogy, she’s known for having a very detailed eye and a mechanical way of visualizing the body. In fact, you may see her incorporating the use of a skeleton model during class. She loves reflecting on her pedagogical methods and continuously evolving as an educator. In her free time, she loves spending time in nature and with her two Chihuahuas, Luna and Fez!  
  • She teaches at two studios, is a Social Media Manager for several dance studios, teaches an online Dance Kinesiology course to MFA students at Reinhardt University, and is a professor for an online course on NDEO’s platform for Dance Educators. Outside of that, her business offers products for Educators, such as Anatomy Posters, Flashcards, E-Books, Online Courses, her own Dance Science merch, her own blog, and Podcast. 
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the dance scientist

Here are my certifications:

Pilates

Pilates is a safe & versatile mindful movement system that improves posture, core strength, breathing patterns, gait mechanics, and more, & can be adapted to all fitness levels and ages.

NASM Corrective Exercise

A technique that addresses and fixes movement compensations. The goal is to improve the overall quality of movement during workouts and everyday life.

Cecchetti

I use my anatomical and analytical brain to help refine and refresh your dance technique. I love seamlessly blending modern science into my dance instruction, especially ballet.

Acrobatic Arts

AA is a progressive teaching method of acro dance. I love benig able to blend my Dance Science knowledge into my teaching of Acro & it's a great opportunity for dancers to build strength in other areas of their body.

NSLS - Fully Inducted Member

An organization that provides a life-changing leadership program that helps students achieve personal growth, career success, and empowers them to have a positive impact in their communities.

Rock Tape

An evidence-based kinesiology taping method based on current research on fascia, fluid dynamics, proprioception, and more.
Digging deeper

Masters Thesis Study

For my Thesis, I completed a research study under Dr. Qin Lai, titled “Effects of Pilates Technical on Dancers’ Balance: Biomechanical & Functional Analyses” in a Motor Learning & Behavior lab.
Dance Scientist
"By shifting to a more scientific blend in our pedagogy, we aren’t watering the art form down. We’re actually supporting it. This means that the art form will not change, it will only advance."

The Dance Scientist

Maria Haralambis
The Dance Scientist
  • 7596 Macomb St, Grosse Ile Township, MI 48138
  • maria.thedancescientist@gmail.com
  • @the.dancescientist
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