Robert Tsai

Background

About Robert Tsai

As a performing arts physical therapist, I support movement artists across the lifespan, from youth and pre-professional students to collegiate and professional dancers working in concert, commercial, and theme park settings. My clinical approach is grounded in partnership, understanding for the unique demands of the dance learning experience and profession, and an acknowledgement of the cultural and social forces that shape and inform the personal and communal dance health experience. In my educational work, I am passionate about redefining how dancers engage with their health and wellness in the context of their training. I design contextual, movement-centered learning experiences rooted in physical literacy principles, strength and conditioning science, and introduce frameworks for long term learning and application. My teaching reflects the belief that movement is an experience, and experiences inform the mover. Most recently, I designed and taught a course on helping dancers understand career longevity as part of Chapman University's dance curriculum. I have presented at national and international dance medicine and education conferences such as PAMA, IADMS, and DANCE/USA, and have guest lectured at collegiate dance programs across the United States and abroad, including The Juilliard School, NYU Tisch, and Trinity Laban (UK). I collaborate with a wide range of dance organizations—from pre-professional ballet institutions to competitive studios—supporting both dancers and educators. Through rehabilitative care and guided education, I strive to instill a curiosity in students and patients to help them understand their physical capacity, take ownership of their recovery, and sustain their training with intention. Learn more about me at