Dancer Wellness Team

TPB’s Dancer Wellness Team exists to support Dancers through their ballet education. Members include our Lead Physical Therapist, Dr. Amy Benton, PT, DPT, certified Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) instructor Lisa Dillinger, Licensed Mental Health Professional, Jacob Garrett, who offers pro-bono mental health consultations upon request, and Marisa Michael, MSc, RD, LD, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

One of our core philosophies is to nurture and develop not only as dancers but also as people by building on student’s self-confidence, maturity and self-discipline. Our mission is to impart the lineage of ballet to young dancers, preparing them to follow their passions and achieve their highest potential in an environment that is challenging, disciplined and rigorous, while at the same time safe, healthy and nurturing.

Dr. Amy Benton, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist

Dr. Amy Benton is the owner of Prime Performance Physical Therapy Clinic and the Head of Dance and Performing Arts Rehabilitation. She is a Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and a dance rehabilitation expert. As a former dancer and performer of over 20 years, she understands the very specific and intricate needs of dancers in all levels.

The Pointe Readiness Program

In Level 5, dancers start preparing for pointe work. Dancers typically in their second year of this level will be evaluated for pointe work, while first-year Level 5s may wear demi pointe shoes (also known as soft pointe shoes or pre–pointe shoes) or ballet slippers. Dr. Benton has developed a pre-pointe readiness program that helps screen and train dancers to transition to pointe work.

Once the dancer has been cleared, Dr. Benton, the Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director will work closely to ensure the dancer is safe and well supported. The Associate Artistic Director will be present during Dr. Benton’s pre-pointe evaluation and the first pointe shoe fitting, as well as teaching dancers the correct ways to sew on ribbons and elastics.

Injury Prevention

On site at Prime Performance Physical Therapy Clinic, Dr. Benton provides hands-on Physical Therapy treatments, performance coaching, recovery, pointe shoe evaluations, and injury prevention guidance to performing artists across the state. She also designs and delivers dance-specific, cross-training, and educational workshops geared towards helping dancers recover from injury, build strength, reduce injury risk factors, learn new techniques for safe flexibility, develop athletic skills, and improve overall performance. She works closely with the Artistic Director, Associate Artistic Director, and parents to ensure dancers get timely therapy for injuries and technique-centered care.

Progressive Ballet Technique

Lisa Dillinger – Certified Progressive Ballet Technique Instructor

Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative body conditioning and strength-building program that prioritizes muscle memory development through ballet-specific exercises, built on safe dance methodology. This program is ideal for dancers and athletes as it offers a proactive approach to injury prevention and rehabilitation by placing emphasis on core strength, weight placement, and alignment.

This class will be taught by Certified PBT teacher, Lisa Dillinger.

Jacob Garrett, LMHP – Licensed Mental Health Professional

Dancers placed in Level 5 and up may email Jacob Garrett, LMHP, at [email protected] to inquire about a pro-bono session. These will typically be scheduled on Sundays at TPB or nearby.

Originally from Northwest Arkansas, Jacob was introduced to ballet while participating in his town’s local community theater and began studying with Midwest Regional Ballet in Joplin, Missouri.  After graduating from high school, he trained at The Houston Ballet Ben Stevenson Academy and then moved to New York City to attend The Joffrey Ballet School.  He danced with The Colorado Ballet as an apprentice for one season and professionally with the Saint Louis Ballet for seven seasons.  He retired from ballet in 2014 to complete his BA in psychology at the University of Missouri – Saint Louis and received a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego in 2018.  Currently, he is a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) and works with youth and adolescents.

Marisa Michael, MSc, RD, LD – Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Please contact [email protected] to inquire about a consultation with Marisa Michael.

Marisa Michael, MSc, RDN, CSSD is a registered dietitian and board certified specialist in sports dietetics. Marisa has been a dietitian for 19 years and has helped thousands of clients find better health and performance and improve their relationship with food. She has a private practice in the Portland area.