Research
Baynes’ research explores interdisciplinary collaboration and arts-for-health. Her research primarily focuses on the neurophysiological benefits of ballet in clinical settings.
International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS)
Title: Weekly ballet classes for individuals with diverse neurological conditions: a collaboration between physical therapy, medical, and dance students
Research Poster, 2021
Lead Author: Jessica Baynes
Co-authors: Karlie O’Brien MD Candidate, Andrea Hennig DPT
This presentation explores possible correlations between barre and increased mirror neuron activity, improved neuroplasticity, and the use of pedagogical imagery as effective external focus on motor control.
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
Title: Including Musicians in Dance Spaces
Conference Presenter, 2021
Lead Presenter: Jessica Baynes
Co-presenters: Jared Oaks (Ballet West Orchestra Director), Nicholas Maughan (Ballet West Company Pianist)
This presentation outlines best practices for working with musical accompaniment in classical dance education settings.
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
Title: Globalizing Accessible Dance Education: Equity & Inclusion as the Starting Point
Conference Presenter, 2021
Panelists: Jessica Baynes, Isabel Owens, Sarah Kausch
This presentation systemizes how to develop accessible dance programming with inclusion and equity as pillars of design, rather than as an adapted afterthought.
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
Title: How Ballet Education Integrated Into Physical Therapy Enhances Recovery Through Community
Conference Presenter, 2020
This presentation discusses the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional benefits of using community practices in ballet education, by using dance in clinical settings as the example.
TEDx Salt Lake City
Title: How Ballet Integrated Into Physical Therapy Enhances Recovery
Speaker, 2019
This presentation introduces the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional benefits of ballet education in clinical settings.
Photo by Jon Hague
United Nations Civil Society (UNCS)
Title: Making the Exclusive Inclusive, One Step At A Time
Conference Presenter, 2019
Lead Presenter: Jessica Baynes
Co-presenters: Serena DeTata (Healing in Motion Dance Co-Director), Hannah Ronca (Healing in Motion Dance Co-Director)
This presentation highlights adaptive ballet as a sustainable community practice for upholding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically: Good Health & Wellbeing, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, Industry Innovation & Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities & Communities, and Community Partnerships
“reBloom” Community Engagement Event
Title: reBloom
Director and Presenter, 2023
Baynes recently choreographed, directed, and premiered “reBloom”— an interdisciplinary arts event awarded $15,000 by Salt Lake City Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) that offers professional programming to young patients at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT.
Photo by Intermountain Health