Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 12/15/2008

Question
My daughter, age 11, is in a pre-professional ballet program. She has just started pointe, and is very cautious about any activity that may impede her progress as a dancer. She has read that it is unadvisable for her to do any physical activity but ballet, including bicycle riding around the neighborhood and walking in the forest. It seems to me that other activities would work as a kind of cross training and enhance her progress....but what do I know about ballet! Can you clear this up please?
THanks!

Answer
Hi Dave. I would not consider riding the bicycle around the neighborhood or walking in the forest any kind of cross-training, which your daughter's school wants to avoid. Unless she were doing extended hiking in dangerous areas - but I don't think that is what you mean.

Her ballet school's policy is protective, and I'm sure they are concerned that she has as much muscle recovery time as ballet will allow for, which is much less than other athletic training recommends. A walk in nature can be extremely restful emotionally as well as physically, if there is no goals for speed and endurance set. Same for bike riding.

I would ask her teachers to clarify this for you. Cross-training means training - set hours, set goals, etc., always trying for more, which your daughter does not need right now, especially with the added challenge of pointe work. Recreational activities are different, presumably relaxing. Skiing is typically not allowed for dance students because of the risk of injury that would stop training altogether. But, that also is a different thing.

I have written several articles on training and muscle recovery at http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com if you or your daughter have any further interest in the topics.

I hope I've helped with this issue. All the best to you and your daughter, Dianne.