UVA Student Finds Passion in Physical Therapy for Dancers

Ephraim Bullock's journey from professional ballet to studying kinesiology at UVA

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:15am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeating grid of a ballet slipper and a physical therapy resistance band, conceptually representing the balance between the performing arts and specialized healthcare.The intersection of ballet and physical therapy shapes one UVA student's path to a career helping performing artists recover and excel.University of Virginia Today

Ephraim Bullock, a member of the University of Virginia's Class of 2026, faced a pivotal decision after high school: pursue a professional ballet career or attend college. After sustaining injuries during a production of 'The Nutcracker,' Bullock decided to redirect his path, applying to UVA with the goal of becoming a physical therapist for dancers.

Why it matters

Bullock's story highlights the challenges and transitions that young athletes and performers often face when navigating injuries and career decisions. His choice to pursue a degree in kinesiology at UVA with the aim of helping other dancers recover and excel reflects a growing awareness of the importance of specialized physical therapy in the performing arts.

The details

As a high school senior, Bullock had received an offer to join the second company of the Richmond Ballet, a step toward a professional dancing career. However, a series of overuse injuries, including tendonitis, led him to work with a physical therapist who was also a former dancer. This experience inspired Bullock to want to help other dancers 'at their lowest points' and not only get them back to where they were, but make them even stronger. He applied to UVA and made it his goal to become a physical therapist for dancers.

  • During a production of 'The Nutcracker' in high school, Bullock developed tendonitis.
  • Bullock received his admissions decision to UVA while at a rehearsal.
  • Bullock became a small-group leader with the Navigators, a Christian ministry on Grounds, during his time at UVA.

The players

Ephraim Bullock

A member of the University of Virginia's Class of 2026 who faced the decision to pursue a professional ballet career or attend college, ultimately choosing to study kinesiology with the goal of becoming a physical therapist for dancers.

Nash Steed

A former high school classmate of Bullock's who became a close friend and mentor during Bullock's time at UVA, meeting with him weekly to discuss life and faith.

Rebecca Vozzo

The head athletic trainer for the UVA men's lacrosse team, with whom Bullock worked as a student volunteer during his first year.

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What they’re saying

“I want to help dancers at their lowest points, not only to get back to where they were, but to be even stronger.”

— Ephraim Bullock

“The way he balanced his work was really admirable. He was super, super busy, but was still available to hang out with and would prioritize his faith like crazy.”

— Nash Steed, UVA Class of 2024 graduate

What’s next

Bullock plans to continue his internship at the Fried Center for the Advancement of Potential, where he has worked since his third year, gaining hands-on experience in physical therapy for dancers and other athletes.

The takeaway

Bullock's journey from professional ballet aspirations to pursuing a degree in kinesiology at UVA with the goal of becoming a physical therapist for dancers reflects the importance of finding purpose and passion, even when faced with unexpected challenges. His story highlights the growing need for specialized care and support for performing artists.