About
Jennifer Milner is a certified Pilates trainer specializing in dancers and post-injury recoveries. As a classical ballet dancer, Jennifer danced with several companies across the country, then moved to New York for musical theatre. After a knee injury ended a successful performing career, Jennifer became determined to use her experiences to help other dancers and performers. She became certified in the Pilates method of exercise, graduating from the Kane School of Core Integration under the renowned Kelly Kane and immersed herself in the world of dance rehabilitation as the on-site Pilates trainer for Westside Dance Physical Therapy (the official physical therapists for New York City Ballet and SAB), quickly developing a reputation as a knowledgeable, thoughtful, and compassionate trainer.
Jennifer has trained a wide variety of clients, from young dancers and gymnasts to Olympic medalists, Oscar winners, and world-famous dancers from New York City Ballet, the Kirov Ballet, ABT, San Francisco Ballet, Royal Ballet, and more. Jennifer mentored under the dance medicine pioneer Marika Molnar and earned a Certificate in Dance Rehabilitation Training through Ms. Molnar. Jennifer is certified in Mari-Jose Blom’s Smart Spine techniques, has studied with Erik Franklin, and is well-versed in anatomy and physiology and a number of adjunct rehabilitation and training methods.
Since moving to Dallas, Jennifer has continued to work with pre- and professional dancers from the area and often has clients fly in from all over the country for sessions. Jennifer's experiences and training give her a unique insight and perspective on getting and maintaining a strong, healthy body at peak performance level. Jennifer is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. Read More
Services
"Jennifer has been one of the most important people on my journey. She has helped me set goals, tackle weaknesses, and gain the strength needed to build proper technique. More importantly, she has served as one of my most trusted mentors. Her sound advice comes from a place of experience, love, and in the best interest of the dancer. I have learned how to use and trust my voice and make well-informed decisions about my next steps with her guidance and support. She has helped not only to shape and strengthen my body, but my mind too. I am incredibly lucky to have Jennifer as my pilates instructor, dance whisperer, mentor, and now my friend."
Caroline Love
Cincinatti Ballet trainee
copyright Rachel Neville Photography
News and Events
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February to April 2023
Raising the Barre for Mental Health - A workshop series for dance teachers
Back by popular demand!
Mental health is as important as physical health in order to teach and facilitate healthy, happy dancers. We know that many dance teachers out there want to support the mental wellbeing of their dancers, but it can feel like a daunting task with few resources available from reputable sources. The purpose of this workshop series is to bring Minding the Gap's innovative work on fostering mentally healthy environments with dance teachers to any teacher who wants to participate.
Performing arts training for physical therapists!
Ivy Rehab Performing Art Symposium
Are you a physical therapist looking to deepen your understanding of working with dancers?
Saturday, March 4 I'll be teaching at the Ivy Rehab Performing Arts Symposium alongside the incredible Gayanne Grossman, PT and Dr. Elizabeth Barchi. This course will enhance the participant’s knowledge of dance-related injuries as well as ways in which to manage injuries with least restrictive activity modification to maintain dancers mental well-being. There will be a unique movement-based laboratory portion where participants will be instructed on complimentary exercises to prehabilitate and rehabilitate dancers with special focus on turnout and hypermobility.
New arabesque workshop!
Retraining Arabesque: Optimizing Movement & Training Strategies for the Dancer
Join Andrea Zujko and Jennifer Milner for the second course in their Refining Series focused on the often-challenging movement of arabesque.
While an arabesque comprises some of the most unforgettable images of ballet, many dancers are unsatisfied with their arabesque lines and may sacrifice placement and/or unknowingly distort the alignment/position of their bodies to achieve higher extensions. Diverse complaints of movement induced spine and hip pain often result from compensations taken to achieve this crucial position.
Andrea Zujko and I will take a deep dive into this topic, blending applicable anatomy, muscle strength & control and integrated flexibility in practical, concrete ways.
Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30
Jennifer is a valuable resource for both dancers looking to recover from an injury as well as performers striving to fine-tune their instrument and move to the next level.
Marika Molnar, dance medicine pioneer and founder of Westside Dance Physical Therapy
Get In Touch
Have questions? Want to book an appointment? Drop me a line!
PO Box 152, Allen TX 75002
917-689-7240
