Q&A with Academy Physiotherapist, Louise Drysdale

When Louise Drysdale first walked through Queensland Ballet’s doors in 2007, it was as a ballet student at the Queensland Dance School of Excellence, (former training organisation run in partnership with Queensland Ballet and Department of Education). A self-confessed science nerd, she developed an interest in physiotherapy alongside her dance studies, ultimately combining her love of science and the arts to become a Queensland Ballet Academy (and Company) physiotherapist. 

Today Louise holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (University of Queensland), Graduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (LaTrobe, Melbourne), a Masters of Medical Research (Griffith University), and is a PhD Candidate at the University of Canberra, where her research passion is bone health in classical ballet dancers. We spoke with her about her intersecting passions and how she landed her dream job.

Hi Louise, tell us about your role as Academy Physiotherapist.

When I first started my role at Queensland Ballet I was mostly working for the Company. As both the Academy and Company have grown and changed (there are now close to 200 dancers across all programs), my clinical work has moved to be more involved with the PPP (Pre-Professional Program) and Academy Upper Levels. I’m currently doing a PhD and that is involving the Company dancers as participants. It’s a great balance.

What inspired an interest in physiotherapy?

I was always really interested in the reasons my friends (or I) would sustain injuries when I was dancing through high school. I found it fascinating the way different people moved and the sorts of issues they would have and what was required to recover. I’m a pretty big science nerd, so it was a good way to combine arts and science. Also, whenever I did see a physio, I was inspired to take it further!

When did you become a Queensland Ballet and Academy Physiotherapist?

I went through the Queensland Dance School of Excellence program at high school (former training program run in partnership with Queensland Ballet and Department of Education), first arriving at the Thomas Dixon Centre in 2007, and I started working in the physio team at the end of 2014 during the Company’s season of The Nutcracker. I remember, on the first day of our physiotherapy studies, we had to write down what kind of physio we wanted to be and I’m fairly sure I wanted to be ‘a physio in a ballet company’. So, I am pretty fortunate to have achieved that goal!

Favourite part of your week?

I love teaching Safe Dance Practice to the Upper Level Academy students. It’s a nice forum to get to know the students and challenge them to think about …art combined with science!

How do you find access to a physiotherapist benefits the Academy students?

It’s a great way for the students to learn about their instrument- their bodies- ultimately for a long and healthy career in dance. It encourages a professional attitude to managing oneself as an elite performer.

Having access to a physiotherapist is part of the Academy’s commitment to the students’ wellbeing. What else does the team do to prioritise wellbeing?

We have an Admissions and Wellbeing Manager on staff, as well as regular strength and conditioning classes, Safe Dance Practice lessons (theoretical lessons about recovery, anatomy, physiology and wellbeing monitoring), and visits from sports psychologists and sports dietitians who deliver group workshops. We encourage communication between teachers, health practitioners and students so everyone is on the same path with recovery and wellbeing. Having the Academy partnered with Kelvin Grove State College is another way to ensure students leave the program with a well-rounded education and opportunities to succeed in all facets of life.

Top tips for injury prevention?

Sleep well, eat enough and be stronger than just for what you need to do at dance. Don’t rely on just dance getting you there alone. Well programmed cross-training is very important. Being mentally healthy is a crucial part of succeeding in a high-performance environment, too.

And finally, your favourite thing about working for the ballet?

I actually love that there is music all around, almost all the time. It makes for a flavoursome work environment. Touring is also lots of fun - I’ve toured with the Company to Gladstone, Shanghai and several places in between. It’s great to be part of the dancers sharing their craft with audiences everywhere. Dance is a universal language.

By Cassandra Houghton