Backbends, Broken Down

Biomechanics for Smarter Circus Training
Format

Online
Course

Published

January
18, 2026

Instructor

Dr. Emily Scherb, PT

Video Duration

1 hour
26 minutes

Audience

Clinician
Instructor

Price

$30

About the course

Back bending is not solely a measure of flexibility. Achieving a deep, efficient, and repeatable backbend requires coordinated segmental mobility, neuromuscular control, and load-sharing across the kinetic chain throughout the full available range of motion.

In this course you will gain a clear understanding of joint-specific contributions, expected sequencing, and common compensatory strategies. This allows clinicians and coaches to accurately assess the movement, identify limiting factors, and design targeted training that optimizes backbend capacity while minimizing pain and injury risk.

Course Lessons

Dr. Emily Scherb, PT

Dr. Emily Scherb is a physical therapist specializing in circus and performing arts medicine. Through her over 30 years of training and working in the circus arts she has gained deep insight into how circus bodies work in the air and on the ground. Emily owns a physical therapy practice in Seattle, WA in which clinicians specialize in the treatment of circus and performing artists. Emily now teaches workshops for circus artists, instructors, and healthcare providers with the mission of improving health and safety in circus training and performance. She is a current board member of Seattle Dance and Performing Arts Medicine (SeaPAM). Her bestselling book Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts was published in 2018.