Journey Through Movement with Robert Tsai
“Circumstances win themselves to opportunities.”
Summary of Episode:
Jenn speaks to Taiwanese American Robert (Rob) Tsai, founder of DANCE|PREHAB a physical therapy organization that supports local dance community across all age ranges via rehabilitation strength and conditioning, and injury risk education. From an Asian kid growing up in Taiwan, defying cultural expectations by pursuing a dance career to then becoming an entrepreneur starting a business that integrates his love for dance and healing. Rob shares with us how creating and curating spaces for healing and learning from his own personal and professional experience through dance and more has led him to where he is today.
When we talk about dance injuries or being able to heal people, there is a story and culture behind that too…A person is never just their injury, there is a story behind their injury and a progression of how them as a person became to feel certain things.
About Robert Tsai:
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 lover of movement, Rob’s entrance into dance began with breakin’ and hip-hop culture while growing up in Taiwan and eventually led to studying classical modern dance techniques. Rob performed professionally in the Los Angeles commercial industry and taught dance for 8 years prior to pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy. Rob is passionate about creating environments and learning opportunities for all movers to explore their physical capabilities. DANCE|PREHAB supports the local dance community across all age ranges from youth, adolescent, collegiate, and adult movers via physical therapy, strength and conditioning, and injury risk reduction education. Rob also seeks to build up the next generation of physical therapists, and serves as a Kinesiological Motion Analysis Lab Assistant Lecturer at Chapman University's Department of Physical Therapy. Outside of the clinic, Rob enjoys rock climbing, backpacking or hiking, and finding new coffee spots to chill at.
