About The Ballet Physio Luke Abnett

About

Luke Abnett is The Ballet Physio

Luke, The Ballet Physio, worked at the Royal Ballet School in Covent Garden, London for six years. It was during this time that Luke developed his passion for helping ballet dancers achieve their true physical potential.

In addition to managing student injuries, Luke also drove the development of elite-level healthcare at the Royal Ballet School through:

which linked both upper and lower school sites with the Royal Ballet company.

including sports medicine physicians, GP, dietician, podiatrist and massage therapy.

incorporating fitness training and pilates.

Now working exclusively in private practice, Luke truly enjoys the challenge of bringing world-class healthcare to young dancers outside of major institutions. As well as treating injuries, he also enjoys identifying issues that are limiting a dancer’s potential. In fact, Luke often receives reports from teachers praising how quickly their dancers turnout, posture, extensions and allegro have improved after attending a Ballet Physio programme.

Areas of expertise

Ballet injuries. Ballet facility enhancement and accelerating physical progress. Hyper-mobility. Scoliosis. Bone stress rehabilitation. Joint impingements.

Dear Luke,
I just wanted to send you a thank you note after our Saturday appointment.
You were really brilliant – you acknowledged the severity of the situation without giving it too much weight. I don’t know how one does that but you did.
You managed to be optimistic without being unrealistic – I don’t know how one does that either.
You injected humour into something that is really quite humourless.
Thank you for everything, you are just brilliant not only at your craft regarding how the body works but also at how to work with people.

Victoria

Ballet mum

“So far the exercises have made a huge difference. I’m not in pain anymore, just sometimes a bit sore.”

Thank you so so much for your help and support. I love that my dancer is very happy and comfortable talking to you on zoom. She hates zoom and doesn’t find it easy, so this is testament to you that she feels very comfortable. So a big thank you from me.

Ballet Mum

“Thank you SO much for today. I can’t tell you how much my dancer has just taken from that. She was full of ideas and focus with regards to what you said. I really appreciate the Ballet Physio/Psychology approach! It was also lovely for her to hear how much she has progressed. Huge thanks ☺️”

Ballet Mum

“Dear Luke, just wanted to thank you again for being wonderful and key to helping (dancer) remain strong and get back to dancing after her fracture at the beginning of the year.

Considering she was off for months with the fracture and re-education she has managed to secure her dream school in her dream city despite all odds! Quite honestly without your expertise and guidance, her foot could not have made it through …!!!”

Sam, Ballet Mum

“I’m really enjoying the class so far and the conditioning has been really useful with regard to my weekly Floor Barre class. I already feel that much stronger and able to implement how to point my toes effectively and am more conscious of my turnout muscles. Also, although I am very aware of the importance of a strong core and my core has certainly been strengthened over the last two weeks, I am also more acutely aware of using my core effectively and correctly in floor barre.”

T, Recreational Dancer

“I find that you have a way of delivering content in a way that makes a lightbulb switch on for them! The results of today were truly astonishing. Seeing the difference in her posture and pelvic alignment through properly understanding how to control and engage her centre was so rewarding! The strength and flexibility exercises were also so powerful!

She’s been at 90 degrees for ages but really could not get it much higher without really feeling like she was forcing it in her back or worse compromising her supporting leg by bending it to get it higher but after your session her leg pinged up with no stress on the body at all. Well over 90 degrees!

Thank you again for all your hard work and enthusiasm.”

Ballet Teacher

“Many many thanks for everything you have done for Sacha – your wise words were so reassuring! And your expertise so essential to his recovery.”

Sandra

Ballet parent

“Wow, that was amazing!’ She’s never really had a session quite like that before!”

Alison, Eilidh's Mum

“Izabel feels her strength is increasing each week; we can really see the difference your exercises make!”

Ballet Parent

“This guy is a ballet magician, not just a physiotherapist! True results. Highly recommend!”

Sacha (Ballet Student's Parent)

“Luke’s classes are remarkable, my daughter has improved enormously and had a lot of fun along the way!”

Ballet Parent

“You have literally given me so much more strength and knowledge and have become my new normal.”

Daisy (Ballet Student)

Luke is a sought-after presenter on ballet healthcare. He lists the following contributions to the discussion among healthcare practitioners and dancers alike:

English Institute of Sport, conference presenter

British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine, conference presenter

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sport and Exercise Medicine, conference presenter

British Journal of Sports Medicine, blogger

University College London, visiting lecturer

University of East London, visiting lecturer

Sander Blommaert Podcast (former Royal Ballet First Artist and Elmhurst ballet teacher), podcaster

Help4Dancers app, contributor

SciDance Podcast, podcaster

Online Ballet Academy Podcast, podcaster

Dancing Times, contributor

Luke was a house parent for second and third year students whist at the Royal Ballet School. In this role he counselled students through auditions, performances, homesickness, as well as the pressures of elite ballet training.

After leaving the school, Luke co-created the Dance Medicine Clinic at Prime Health in Surrey.

Outside of his work at the Ballet Physio, Luke treats patients at Covent Garden Physio in Somerset House, London. He enjoys his close work with London Vocational Ballet School, Blommaert Ballet School, Academy of Balletic Arts, Ballet Boost, Dance Gems, South London Dance Studios, Rhodes Academy of Dance and Lawlor School of Dance.

Did you know?

Luke is originally Australian and trained at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. He worked with adolescent sports teams in rowing, tennis, running, gymnastics and volleyball.

Beyond the world of ballet, Luke is Head of Music and Performance and Resident Choreographer at the London Gay Men’s Chorus. He is also a freelance choir choreographer and a former show director for youth musical theatre company Rare Productions.

Luke currently balances his work delivering private consultations plus online and in-person group classes. He also treats non-dance sports injuries as well as postural problems, and offers vocal physiotherapy for singers.

How can The Ballet Physio help you?

Luke’s science-based approach along with his encouraging and uplifting nature will provide you with a programme experience that is both effective and enjoyable. What type of service would you like to learn more about?

Meet the Ballet Physio team

We are a small team passionate about the art of dance and dedicated to helping young dancers achieve their full potential.

We aim to provide the best classes, treatment and service possible. Please get in touch with us with any questions and suggestions you may have, we are always happy to help.

LEAH

Administration Assistant

Leah is a skilled and experienced professional with years of expertise as a personal assistant, virtual assistant, and operations manager. She has worked across various industries including real estate, podcasts, and customer service. Hailing from the beautiful Philippines, Leah is passionate about her work and enjoys taking on challenging tasks. She cherishes the opportunity to travel, plays music, likes the beach and loves a good book.

IRina

marketing and advertising

Irina trained in Russian Classical Ballet, and has an extensive Business Development, Sales and Marketing background, both within and outside the Performing Arts sector. Irina has worked with companies such as British Airways, London Children’s Ballet, Ballet Boost, Natalia Kremen Ballet School, Dansez, to mention just a few. Irina loves using her passion for design and communications to help Performing Arts businesses build their digital brand identity as well as create and nurture engaging online communities.