Expert: Connie - 10/29/2008

Question
hi i was just researching some facts to do with pointe.
Im currently in year 12 and i was interested in doing one of my major works on the effects on long term pointe work, and how it effects your feet in the long run.
i thought you would be able to help me with some information and or where i could get some really hepful answers.
thanks please reply.


Answer
I'm not a doctor, and I've only been dancing on pointe for 3 or 4 years, so I'm not an expert in this field.  However, my mother, who was a professional dancer, knows a bit more.  She has pretty large bunions as a result of pointe work, and also noted that her feet spread out a lot after she finished dancing in pointe shoes.  I would look to interview other professional dancers if possible, and there have got to be some good sites out there that state doctors studies on the long term effects.  Best of luck, and if you find out anything really interesting, let me know! =]

Also, there are probably much worse long-term effects to the feet of dancers who have bad technique and training than to the feet of dancers with good training and technique.