09/14/2025
Hi, I’m Marissa Schaeffer.
It’s been a little while since I’ve introduced myself, so here goes.
I wear a few hats: I’m a physical therapist, a mom, the owner and director of FlySpace Physical Therapy, and the co-host of DanceWell Podcast.
I started my career as a dancer here in NYC, freelancing and choreographing while also working as a personal trainer. Early on, I noticed something important: the more I strength trained, the better my dancing became—even though I wasn’t training as much as I wanted. At the same time, I found real joy in helping others move and feel better.
But there was a flip side. I re-injured myself badly during that period, working long, hectic days. Thanks to the continuing education I had access to as a trainer, I learned how to advocate for myself, seek care, and understand my body in a new way. That experience sparked something. I realized that while personal training was powerful, I wanted to go deeper—so I went back to school for my doctorate in physical therapy.
Fast forward: I built my career working with performers in some incredible places, including Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, PhysioArts, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Along the way, I leaned into education—teaching workshops, writing, and podcasting—to support dancers in building health literacy and autonomy.
After the pandemic, I opened my own little clinic on West 72nd Street. What began modestly grew into FlySpace PT. Since then, my work has expanded beyond the treatment room into advocating for performer health and creating systems that support artists in schools, companies, and clinics.
In 2023, I went back to school again—this time for my MBA—to keep growing FlySpace and to make sure we’re building something sustainable for the long term.
Now, here we are. FlySpace just turned 4 years old. In that time, we’ve partnered with over 50 programs, and we’re only just getting started.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I’m excited for what’s ahead—for our clinic, for performer health, and for the community we’re building together.