Owner Christine Lager, PT, DPT
Christine is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, dance rehabilitation specialist and the proud owner of Minnesota Dance Physical Therapy. She is a former high school and collegiate dancer who is passionate about helping athletes create the optimal balance between mobility and strength. She has had the privilege to help hundreds of dancers and over 15 dance teams since starting MN Dance PT in 2023. She is excited to continue to grow in 2026!
Education
Concordia University - St. Paul
Doctorate of Physical Therapy
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology
Balanced Body Pilates Reformer
Herman & Wallace Pelvic Floor 1
Dance Rehabilitation Specialist
AED / Basic Life Support Provider
Certifications
Benilde - St. Margaret’s Dance Team
University of Wisconsin - Madison Dance Team
University of Wisconsin - Premiere Dance Team
Dance Experience
Doctors for Dancers
Christine is licensed provider within the professional organization Doctors for Dancers. Doctors for Dancers is a community dedicated to helping dancers connect with dance specialists in their area. Check out Christine’s profile on the DFD website!
Natalie Riutta, PT, DPT
Natalie is board-certified Doctor of Physical Therapy with a specialty in spine therapy. She is certified in dry needling for orthopedic rehabilitation and sports performance. She is always excited to be a part of the Minnesota Dance Physical Therapy team and continue to advance athletic performance within the Minnesota dance community.
Education
Dry Needling Certification
AED / Basic Life Support Provider
University of Minnesota
Doctorate of Physical Therapy
University of North Dakota
Bachelor’s of Science
Certifications
Chanhassen Storm Dance Team
Dance Arts Centre
Dance Experience
Samantha Torborg, SPT
Sam graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelors of Applied Science in Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences. She is currently a third year student earning my Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of Minnesota. She will be graduating from PT school in the spring of 2026 and starting her first job as a Doctor of Physical Therapy!
Intern Joy Erlandson
Joy is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Minnesota. She has been a dancer all her life and she currently teaches dance at the Dance Complex in Maple Grove, Minnesota. She is excited to learn more about injury prevention and recovery during her internship.
Welcome to the team Joy!
Intern Emma Parker
Emma is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Concordia University in St.Paul. She teaches dance at Metro Dance Center and Charliz Balicao Dance Company. She is passionate about supporting dancers holistically and continuing to learn how to help dancers stay healthy, strong, and doing what they love.
Welcome to the team Emma!
College Dance Ambassador Chloe Magnuson
Chloe is an upcoming sophomore at the University of St. Thomas and a member of the 18x National Champion Tommie Dance Team. She also teaches dance at Premiere Dance Academy in Prior Lake, Minnesota. She is excited to take on this ambassador role as a college student-athlete and explore more opportunities in a dance-driven career!
Welcome to the team Chloe!
“Dance team allowed me to be a part of something bigger than myself. Through the up and downs, dance team showed me how to be a good teammate, how to utilize my talents and to never doubt the impact you have on others. My experience as an athlete helped me to choose the profession of physical therapy and become an advocate for my patients. I am eager to help more athletes excel within their sport and advocate for themselves.”
Christine Lager, PT, DPT