Next Generation Beverly Crusher Called “The Dancing Doctor”

Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) served as Medical Director of the USS Enterprise-D in Star Trek: The Next Generation, but how did she get the nickname “the dancing doctor?” As TNG’s A doctor, Crusher not only treated the Enterprise crew’s various illnesses, but also used her scientific knowledge to get the Enterprise out of several dire situations. Dr. Crusher lived aboard the Enterprise with his prodigy son, Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton).

Crusher also had a history with Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), and while the two clearly had feelings for each other, they never truly explored their on-screen romance. As counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), Beverly didn’t get as much character development as her male counterparts in the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Crusher was the doctor and a motherly figure aboard the Enterprise, and only occasionally went beyond those duties. Even so, Beverly had a few hobbies in addition to her duties aboard the ship, one of which earned her the nickname “the dancing doctor.”

Why Beverly Crusher is called “The Dancing Doctor” in Star Trek: TNG

Gates McFadden managed to put his own dancing skills into practice

In Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 4, Episode 11, ‘Data’s Day’, Lieutenant Commander Data (Brent Spiner) prepares for the wedding of Chief Miles O’Brien (Colm Meany) and Keiko (Rosalind Chao). Data acts as an intermediary between Miles and Keiko, causing some confusion when he misunderstands the subtleties of human communication. To prepare for the ceremony itself, Data seeks out Dr. Crusher to teach him how to dance. He had read in Crusher’s service record that she had won first prize in a tap and jazz competition.

Beverly agrees to teach Data, but asks him not to tell anyone, as she doesn’t. “I want to be known as the dancing doctor. Again.” Data and Crusher then go to the holodeck, where the doctor teaches the android a tap dance routine. Unfortunately for Beverly, her reputation as a dancing doctor remained and was even referenced by Lt. Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid) in Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4, Episode 9, ‘The Inner Fight’. When Boimler becomes excited at the prospect of meeting Dr. Crusher, he murmurs about her in his sleep, saying: “Teach me how to tap dance, Beverly Crusher.”

Doctor Crusher’s Star Trek achievements go far beyond dancing

Dr. Crusher is one of TNG’s most talented characters

Dr. Crusher only danced in one episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but she achieved so much more throughout the show. Not only did Beverly save the lives of several members of the Enterprise crew when they were injured or ill, but she also saved the entire ship on several occasions. Beverly wasn’t afraid to challenge Captain Picard when she felt he was sacrificing compassion in favor of Starfleet regulations. Her deep sense of empathy made her a great doctor, and she often acted as a kind of conscience for Picard.

Dr. Crusher is back Star Trek: Picard season 3, having added some impressive new abilities to his repertoire. She remained a skilled doctor and intelligent scientist, and also learned how to handle a ship’s weapons system. Beverly became a more fully realized character in Picardo, when she came back into Jean-Luc’s life with her adult son, Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers), in tow. As a doctor, scientist, fighter, lover, dancer and mother, Dr. Beverly Crusher continues to be one of the Star Trek: The Next Generation more talented and impressive characters.