Company
Who we are.
We are dancers and performers who are Doctors of Physical Therapy. We are dedicated to the pursuit of comprehensive care, health, and support for sustainability for the 21st century movement artist.
“I have never met a dance PT clinic that is so intentional,
cares about their clients, and approaches health,
injury, and physical therapy from a holistic and curious way.”
Dr. Robert Tsai, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy | Chapman University
BA Communication Theory / Dance Performance Minor | Chapman University
What’s your one thing for dancers?
“Sometimes, I’m not worried about ‘perfect’”
I want you to know how you can trust yourself to shift, pivot, and adapt so you can do the things that dance will ask of you AND the things you want to do for dance.”
What inspires your work with dancers?
“It inspires me day-to-day to witness young humans explore, change, and grow through dance and movement. Observing these growing minds in our spaces continues to remind me just how malleable they are.
It’s a journey to watch them return to their craft with renewed confidence in their physical abilities and their confidence in advocating for their health for their future selves.”
Tell us about you and dance!
Dance found me via breakin’ and hip-hop culture, so dance has always been a reflection of society and culture. Our decisions, choices, and paths we take are heavily informed by these factors, and being able to take an objective view of dance as a reflection of culture enables us to look above and beyond.
Although dance and movement play a different role in my life currently, I continue to carry forward the lessons that dance taught me. As a physical therapist, teacher, husband, and now father, dance taught me how to develop and utilize my strengths to be the best version of myself, and to find vulnerability to acknowledge my shortcomings so I know how to continue to strive to be better for myself, my family, and the community.
Bio
Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, Rob received his undergraduate degrees in Communication Theory, Dance Performance, and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Chapman University In Orange, CA.
As a performing arts physical therapist, Rob’s experience includes supporting movement artists across the life-span in a variety of settings – from youth/adolescent, pre-professionals, and collegiate students in their training to professionals in the concert, commercial, and theme park work environments.
Rob’s educational efforts have led to dance medicine conference presentations at PAMA, IADMS, and DANCE/USA, guest lectures at collegiate dance programs internationally and nationwide, and educational collaborations with dance organizations in the pre-professional ballet, the competitive dance circuit, and local dance studio communities.
Previously, Rob has served as the resident physical therapist for the UC Irvine Department of Dance, and on faculty at Chapman University’s Department of Physical Therapy as a Kinesiological Motional Analysis Lab Assistant Lecturer.
Email: rob@danceprehab.com
IG: @robtsaidpt
Dr. Claire Spivak, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy | Chapman University
BS Kinesiology Exercise Science | CSU Long Beach
What’s your one thing for dancers?
“Part of the process is honoring yourself and your efforts…“
… and recognizing that as an honest reflection of growth. Being challenged in our spaces gives us stepping stones towards greater accomplishments!”
What inspires your work with dancers?
Dance has always served as an anchor of my expression, and one that allows for discovery, both personally and in relation to others.
I’m continuously inspired by the insight and contributions of the dancers I work with in their individual journeys of creative expression, and dedication to their craft.
I love that working with dancers gives me the opportunity to collaborate in their growth and support them through all the small and big wins.
Tell us about you and dance!
I began my dance training at a Vaganova based ballet school where I was trained in classical ballet, also dancing modern, lyrical, and contemporary.
I attended various summer intensives throughout my training including Ballet West and American Ballet Theatre, and later went on to continue dancing at California State University Long Beach Department of Dance.
Throughout my experiences in the clinic, I’ve been fortunate to work with artist-athletes from many different settings, ranging from recreational to professional level dancers.
Bio
Claire’s love for movement and desire to pursue physical therapy was shaped by her dance background. While navigating various injuries of her own, Claire realized the strong need to advance the standard of care for artist-athletes.
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Claire’s dance training began at Professional Ballet School/Young Artists’ Ballet Theatre where she danced pre-professionally and attended summer intensives at Kirov Academy of Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and Ballet West.
Claire continued her dance training at California State University Long Beach and graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Exercise Science. She then went on to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Chapman University, graduating with honors. Throughout her clinical rotations, Claire gained experience in working with a diverse patient population and has had the rewarding privilege of treating dancers and performing artists.
Claire aims to foster a collaborative and exploratory space where artist-athletes are supported, challenged, and empowered. She is passionate about providing individualized, goal-centered care to enhance performance and longevity in the studio, on stage, and beyond.
Email: claire@danceprehab.com
IG: @clairespivakdpt
Dr. Lizzy Rothstein, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy | University of Southern California
BA Psychology | UC Berkeley
What’s your one thing for dancers?
“How are you doing as a human?”
While I love connecting with those I work with through dance, it is equally important to check in with them outside of their dance identity. I’ve found that helping others step outside their dance bodies can often lead to strengthened relationships within themselves and with dance.
What inspires your work with dancers?
Working with dancers is an incredible gift. To me, dancers of all ages and stages of their careers share an infectious curiosity for movement that makes our time together endlessly creative and innovative.
Their passion and drive propel me forward in my own growth and discovery so that I can in turn best support the dance community. Every day is an honor to collaborate with such extraordinary artist-athletes.
Tell us about you and dance!
“I grew up dancing competitively and continued dancing throughout college as a member of the Cal Dance Team at UC Berkeley.
After graduating, I pursued dancing professionally. I was a 3-time NBA dancer for the Golden State Warriors and am currently the Head Coach of the UCLA Dance Team.
I also continue to teach and choreograph at the high school, collegiate, and professional level.”
Bio
Originally from the Bay Area, Lizzy’s love for dance developed at a young age. She danced competitively growing up and continued to dance while attending the University of California, Berkeley. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and served as Captain of the Cal Dance Team.
Lizzy went on to dance professionally for the Golden State Warriors and returned to UC Berkeley as the Head Coach of the Cal Dance Team. She then continued on to receive her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California.
Lizzy is passionate about helping shape the next generation of artists-athletes both in the clinic and in the studio. As the current Head Coach of the UCLA Dance Team, she continues to serve as a professional dancer, choreographer, and dance educator in Southern California.
As a physical therapist, Lizzy has worked on a number of professional stage productions in dance and theater, and is dedicated to providing quality care to past and current performers of all ages. She emphasizes a holistic care approach considering the intersection of mind and body to optimize performance on and off stage
Email: lizzy@danceprehab.com
IG: @lizzy_meg_
DANCE|PREHAB Physical Therapy & Performance 