Shoe Tips for the Burgeoning Ballerina

The ballet shoes of a dancer en pointe. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are you new to dance? Are you feeling unsure about the type of shoes to get, or overwhelmed by the choices? Hopefully we can ease a bit of your anxiety and get you heading off to class in style and with confidence.

A dancer is an artist, and therefore concerned about the visual. They are concerned, believe it or not, about the appearance of their feet. Their feet need to appear elegant, graceful and smooth, which is accomplished by their footwear. At the same time a dancer is also considering the safety and care of their feet. No one feels the pain more than the dancer if good decisions are not made.

The most common error in judgment is in the correct fit. The tendency is for parents to purchase shoes that are too big for the beginning dancer. The shoes will not be usable for multiple seasons. You need to plan on a pair of shoes each season, but luckily, they are reasonably affordable. Occasionally an instructor will insist on a particular brand or style of shoes, but more often you are on your own.

For the new dancer full leather, suede sole slipper is recommended for both children and adults. It allows for muscle and strength development and should be no longer than one half inch beyond the longest toe, not considering the big toe. You also need to consider the following:

• Materials available are leather, canvas or both. Leather is recommended.

• Correct size for length and width for a snug and secure fit. Stand up on your toes and your toes should not feel crammed in the front of the shoe. You should be able to move your toes.

• Never purchase online unless you have tried on that brand in the store and are sure of the fit.

• New dancers should purchase shoes with the elastics pre-sewn.

Advanced pointe shoes require more consideration, but time and experience will make that decision easier when the time comes.

If you have concerns or questions about dance shoes that are fit, consult Dr. Boucher by calling (203) 238-3668. She is experienced and knowledgeable about dance and always has foot safety and health in mind.

References:

http://suite101.com/article/how-to-choose-a-ballet-slipper-a34999
http://dance.about.com/od/dancegear/tp/Find_Ballet_Shoes.htm

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Let’s Keep On Dancing

Dancer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is nothing easy about a ballet dancer’s life. It is stressful with constant worries about winning a role, guarding their position, rehearsals, performances, money and competition. The calm look on the face of a dancer as she performs might be masking a world of pain. They are on their feet so many hours a day, and on top of it they probably have one or more foot conditions that they experience pain from. Common disorders that they must bear up under include bunions, ingrown toenails, blisters and corns which can easily become infected.

Today let’s learn a bit about bunions and treatment methods that may allow a dancer to keep on dancing. A bunion is a deformity at the base of the big toe, which is caused when the big toe becomes misaligned and extra bone growth appears at the joint. It mostly affects the inner side of the big toe. As the misalignment continues, the big toe slants toward the other toes and the joint becomes more enlarged. If allowed to grow untreated, a bunion can become very painful and make even walking nearly impossible. This is why it is necessary to begin treatment of a bunion early and be persistent.

Symptoms to look for include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Protruding at the joint
• Pain
• Tenderness

It used to be generally believed that a bunion was caused by tight and ill-fitting shoes. This may be somewhat true, but now it is also believed that genetics plays a part because of bone structure.

Different treatment methods for bunions include:

• Rest
• Anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen
• Exercises and stretching that encourage correct positioning of the big toe
• A nighttime bunion splint
• Bunion sleeve
• Cortisone injections
• Surgery
• Shoes with a roomier toe box

In order to allow a dancer to continue performing, with bunions present, Dr. Boucher may suggest rest as much as possible and take over-the-counter medication for pain. An elastic sleeve can be pulled on over the foot to maintain correct position or gently reposition the big toe.

If you are a dancer and suffer the constant discomfort of bunions, as many do, contact Dr. Boucher at (203)238-3668. Dr. Boucher was a dancer also, understands your needs and how important it is for you to keep dancing.

References:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2006/sep/05/dance

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A Ballet Dancer’s Feet

The "box" of a pointe shoe resides within the front end of the shoe. The box itself cannot be seen, but its shape is exposed by the tightly stretched outer fabric of the shoe. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Have you ever been to a live ballet performance? It is beautiful and a sight to behold, but the serene look on the faces of the performers may be hiding a world of pain and agony. They struggle so to keep their spots, win roles and perform without complaint. What is it that makes them return to their dressing rooms in tears? Pain! It’s a very common ailment suffered by ballet dancers, but also poses a serious risk of infection - CORNS.

Corns, like hair and nails is a skin secretion made up of keratin. They form at points on the body that are sensitive to pressure. They tend to be somewhat pointed, and as the build-up of keratin continues, they can become very painful. In some instances the build-up is so significant and the pressure so great that the corn can actually puncture into the skin and lead to an infection. If you are a dancer you must be particularly aware of the location between the third and fourth toe.  Many dancers experience frequent pinched nerve damage and very little sensation in this area. If a corn becomes infected there, you should seek immediate medical attention. An infected corn may appear similar to an infected pimple, but because of lack of sensation it will not hurt.  Any corn that appears to be infected should be treated by Dr. Boucher. 

You may not develop infected corns, but if it is a condition that is repeatedly bothersome to you, as a dancer, check the fit of your point shoes. Remember your feet can grow as you age and your shoes may be too small. If the wear on the soles of your shoe extend one inch or more beyond the shank, chances are the shoes are too small. Your comfort zone may lie in a pair of shoes one-half size larger.

At home treatment for corns may include:

• Regular foot soaks
• Using a pumice stone to reduce corns and calluses
• Over-the-counter non-medicated corn pads

If you have corns in areas that are difficult to treat, or if they are large and bothersome, contact Dr. Boucher’s office at (203) 238-3668. She has a treatment option for you that will remove the corn and allow you to continue on your way with little or no pain.
 
References:

http://www.centralctfootcare.com/Central-Connecticut-Footcare-Center-LLC.html
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1083/is_n4_v68/ai_14986740/

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