We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laura Ulyate a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

A defining moment in my professional career came when I made the difficult decision to step back and close my physical therapy practice after my son, Kyle, was diagnosed with autism. At the time, I was running a small practice—En Pointe Physical Therapy—where I specialized in physical therapy and wellness for dancers. I had left my role in an outpatient orthopedic setting to follow my passion: combining my background in dance with my passion in physical therapy.

Closing my practice was not easy. I had built something I truly loved, and I continued teaching conditioning classes for dancers for a short while. But ultimately, I knew my son needed more of my time and attention. Choosing to step away from both my practice and teaching was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made—but without a doubt, it was the best one. Today, Kyle is thriving in general education, and I’m incredibly proud of how far he’s come.

After spending nearly a year as a full-time stay-at-home mom, I was invited to teach at The ASCEND Intensive with Imprint Dance Company in July 2023. That experience reawakened something in me. I left the intensive knowing I was ready to return to teaching weekly conditioning classes. That’s when my journey with The DEN began.

Jessica Wolf, Owner and Director of The DEN and Imprint, invited me to teach at her new space, The DEN. Over the following months, I felt my passion return and a renewed sense of purpose take root. I began creating Instagram reels to share the unique exercises I was doing with my students, and that creative outlet fueled my excitement even more. I watched my students crush their goals—their technique improved, their confidence soared, and they began to truly understand the importance of conditioning as dancers.

Most importantly, I found myself genuinely looking forward to my time at The DEN. This new chapter has allowed me to rediscover my purpose while staying rooted in both my love for dance and my dedication to helping others.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been dancing since the age of four and never imagined doing anything else. Ballet was my primary focus, but I truly loved all styles of dance. I practically lived at my dance studio—and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. At 16, during a ballet class, I dislocated my right patella. That injury became a pivotal moment in my life and ultimately led me down the path to becoming a Physical Therapist.

I had my heart set on CSULB’s PT program and only applied there. Fortunately, I was accepted and completed my undergraduate degree in Biology with an option in Physiology and a minor in Chemistry in 2009. I then earned my Master’s in Physical Therapy in 2011.

Despite my injury, I never let it stop me from dancing—even when my ballet teacher suggested I consider a different path. I knew in my heart that I would always dance. I continued through high school on the Capistrano Valley High School Varsity Song team and later competed on the CSULB Dance Team in college. I also began teaching dance after my injury and still teach to this day.

After completing my PT internships and passing my board exams, I spent the next four years working in an outpatient orthopedic clinic. In 2015, after getting married, I pursued my dream of working with dancers and opened my own practice. During that time, I also became certified Yoga instructor in Hot Power Fusion and Yoga Sculpt. I loved working with dancers—not just helping them recover from injuries, but educating them on how to train safely and build longevity in such a physically demanding sport. I created a unique conditioning program that blended physical therapy, yoga, and dance, which quickly became my passion.

What I loved most was working one-on-one with dancers. After years in general outpatient ortho, it was refreshing to work with motivated clients who were committed to their progress and eager to return to that dance floor.

Another turning point in my life came when my son was diagnosed with autism. Balancing my growing business, caring for a newborn daughter, supporting my son, and making time for my husband became overwhelming. I made the difficult decision to close my practice and step into the role of full-time mom.
In July 2023, I was invited to teach at The ASCEND Intensive with Imprint Dance Company. That experience reignited something in me—I knew I was ready to return to weekly conditioning classes. Shortly after, Jessica Wolf, Owner and Director of The DEN and Imprint, invited me to begin teaching at The DEN. Over the next few months, my passion returned and I felt a renewed sense of purpose.

I started creating Instagram reels to share the unique exercises I was using with my students. Seeing their progress—improved technique, increased confidence, and a deeper understanding of conditioning—fueled my excitement. Most importantly, I found myself truly looking forward to every class at The DEN. My daughter also began dancing there, and over the past two years, her love for dance has grown immensely. I’m deeply grateful for the supportive environment Jessica has created.

Since joining The DEN, my role has expanded. I now manage social media for both The DEN and Imprint Dance Company, and I support on the administrative side as the DEN Manager. This season, I’ve also started traveling with Imprint Dance Company as their PT, helping with warm-ups and preparing dancers for competitions. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their growth in strength, control, and alignment after working together consistently.

My specialty lies in conditioning/technique classes and private lessons. I love being able to pinpoint why a dancer might be struggling, fill in the gaps, and give them the tools they need not only to achieve their goals but to train safely at a high level. Although I’m not currently treating patients, I’ve found so much joy working with the dancers at The DEN and Imprint. In the near future, I plan to reopen my practice, En Pointe Physical Therapy, within The DEN, and return to treating dancers professionally.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Dancers are a unique breed of athletes. They often push through pain and don’t always know when to stop. Over my many years in the dance world, I’ve found that dancers are incredibly smart, driven, and deeply dedicated—because dance brings a joy unlike any other. It’s not just a sport or an art form; it’s a passion that fuels them from the inside out.

Most dancers tend to ignore their injuries because they fear being told they have to stop dancing. What has helped me most in working with dancers is finding ways to keep them moving safely. Rather than having them fully sit out, I’ve found greater success by teaching them how to recognize “bad pain” and understand when it’s time to modify. By offering substitutions or support strategies, they can continue training while protecting their bodies and promoting healing.

It’s so important to find a dance space that shares your values and goals for dancers—especially when it comes to balancing high-level training with mental well-being. While dance is undeniably physical, the mental and emotional aspects are just as significant. Working with The DEN and Imprint Dance Company has been an incredible experience. The collaborative environment has not only supported my passion but also allowed me to grow and feel confident in the strengths I bring to the table.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Becoming a mom was a transition I had to learn to navigate while continuing to work—but nothing truly prepared me for the journey of parenting a child with autism. I experienced a lot of grief, anger and sadness early on in my son’s diagnosis. The unknown can be incredibly overwhelming. I’m so grateful for the support system I had then—and continue to have—that has helped guide me through this journey. My husband, Sean has been my biggest rock and partner through everything life has thrown at us.

My son’s diagnosis pivoted my career, but also pushed me to grow into a better person. Autism has taught me to appreciate all the small things because they are truly big things. Kyle has a heart of pure gold and I wish more people could experience the world like he does, his joy for life is contagious. Autism is hard, but loving him is easy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: en_pointe_physical_therapy

Image Credits

Vince Trupsin and Camryn Clair