Dancing Through Time

Three ballet dancers performing a grand jeté jump (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is no shortage of injuries found in professional dance, especially ballet. Ballet seems to test the limits of the body’s endurance and range of motion capabilities. Most professional dancers will suffer an injury at some point in their career and miss rehearsal and performance time. The rigors of this art form often force dancers into early retirement. However, many choose to leave performing behind them somewhere in the mid to late thirties. 

Professional dance is a stressful occupation. It is stressful mentally and emotionally because of the constant pressure to win roles and maintain favor within a dance company. Dance is stressful on the body because of the rigors of the movements. Movements not performed correctly can stress the body and lead to injury. Even under perfect circumstances when moves are done correctly, the long hours and constant repetition, lead to over-use injuries. Often dancers are overworked due to long rehearsal hours and performance time is added on top of that.

What are some of the factors working against dancers and bringing them closer to the injury edge?

• Long rehearsal hours
• Mental and emotional stress
• Physical demands
• Cold working environment
• Hard floors
• Insufficient warm up time

Strength training is an important element of dance preparation. This begins at an early age to prepare the young dancer’s body to meet the demands of the performing art. It also helps develop the best possible habits. Warming up and stretching is a very important element in a plan to avoid foot and ankle injuries. Unfortunately, there are times when young bodies get pushed beyond their capabilities because bones aren’t sufficiently developed and hardened, and joints strengthened. Pushing too hard too soon can result in sprained ankles and possibly permanent damage.

Stress in the workplace is prevalent. Low income, few jobs and highly competition for those that do exist are some of the difficulties faced by dancers. Dancers tend to place additional pressure on themselves because of their internal drive and constant pursuit of perfection.

Dr. Tina Boucher is uniquely qualified to treat dancers. Having a background in dance herself she is able to understand the demands and hazards of the occupation. Call her at (203) 238-3668 for a thorough podiatric evaluation. She will work with you to help find solutions to your foot and ankle concerns and do her best to keep you at your performing peak.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_risks_of_professional_dance

Related articles

• Saving Your Ankles, A Saving Grace
• Cracking Under Too Much Stress?
• Don't Let Your High Heels Fall Short