Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 4/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hey!

I have just recently restarted ballet after a hiatus of many years (Recently = I have my 3rd class this week!)

I did ballet from when I was very small to about the age of 12... I stopped just when I would probably have started getting better more quickly due to problems at my dance studio, unfortunately I was at the age where I gave up rather than trying to find another studio!

I'm now 29 so I had 17 years "off" although I have done other types of dance sporadically and have for the last several years used ballet "exercise" DVDs at home. I have always loved dancing so I have dabbled a lot.

I have ME (CFS/CFIDS - whatever you want to call it!) so my energy is limited.

I know I'm not about to become a profressional at my age but I do want to get as good as I can. My ultimate dream with ballet would be able to start pointe work even if it was only ever at the most basic level, but I know that is some time away as yet. My teachers are aware of my health issues (there are two teachers at the studio plus I do a ballroom class too). I also need to lose some weight, ideally!

Given that I have limited energy, but that I also have the time an inclination to practise at home, what should I concentrate on?

I have been doing the exercises from the Perfect Pointe Book on the grounds that it's never too early to start trying to strengthen my feet and have also ordered the GM Dancer's Dozen. I've been using a resistaband to do foot exercises, going through demi-pointe to pointe.

I have been trying to do a warm up, stretch and cool down every day using exercises taken from the various ballet DVDs I own. My flexibility is improving, I can touch my toes easily for the first time in almost 2 decades!

Is there anything else I should be thinking of adding to my "regime"? I do plan to speak to the teachers, too, I just didn't have a chance last week! I'm hoping that the dance classes will improve my general health and fitness, but I do also want to become a better dancer, so any tips for things to concentrate on specifically would be really helpful.

Hope I have posted this right, it's the first time I have used this site!

ANSWER: Hi Sarah. You are doing everything I would recommend - I think The Perfect Pointe Book is fabulous - I recommend it to all dance students including males!

Even though you didn't mention nutrition, I'm sure you are onto that area big-time.

I will add, that in the chiropractic office I am affiliated with, we have seen great successes with CFS type symptoms with NAET - acronym for Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique. Many doctors, d.c.'s and acupuncturists do this kinesiology technique of allergy/imbalance elimination. You can read about it at naet.com.

I would say keep doing what you are doing! You are obviously willing to do more - though the body has to keep up with you! If you are interested, I have many articles and strengthening tips at http://www.theballetstore.com.

Recognize and congratulate yourself on your progress everyday!

If I were you I would spend your muscle recovery time focusing on everything that makes you feel good and strong! If you enjoy reading or writing on the internet read all the blogs by those with CFS - and pick out the positive ones - and maybe start your own. A CFSdancer blog. Chart your routines and your progress and you'll probably end up helping someone else too! Just a thought....maybe not your thing...

If I come across anything at all that might help you more, I will get back to you! And please feel free to ask me anything in the future.

All the best, Dianne.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, this is really encouraging!

I totally forgot to add - I have hyperextended "sway back" knees. I know my teachers know/are keeping an eye on this, is there anything else I can do about it...?

Thanks again! :o)

Answer
Hi Sarah! I have two or more articles at http://www.theballetstore.com - on hyper-extended knees.They may not show up on the front page. I know that if you get a user ID and log in, many more articles show up.

You may get some additional tips of how to work with your knees from those articles, in addition to whatever your teachers have you working on.

All the best, Dianne