Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 5/29/2008

Question
My daughter was told last year in the mist of mid season dance classes that she should stop all dancing because of her feet problems...She had been doing dance since 3 and was 11years then up to 25 hours a week of dance,  in a dance company, and taking tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, and ballet.  

I took her to the best I could find..which was the specialist that treats the Pacific NW Ballet Company out of Seattle.

She misses dance terribly and we have had a difficult time not dancing and are considering doing dance again but not pointe....What area would you have her pursue to continue her love of dance but not put anymore pressure on her feet (or at the least, limited stress) but still giving her the spins, and elegance which comes with ballet?

Thank You,
Mom (Johanna)

Answer
Hi Johanna. Wow, this is tough for you and your daughter. Replacing all that dancing is not easy!

Has she been doing any physio therapy for her feet? Do you understand the damage that has been done? I'm only asking because only if it is understood properly will she have the best chance of repairing. Nutrition, chiropractic and the correct exercises (non weight bearing perhaps), if she can do them, should all be factored in.

Classical Stretch is a system of strengthening and stretching formulated by a retired ballet dancer - and is very good. However, there is no class factor, it might be a little lonely- unless she finds some friends who want to do it too (or maybe you?). It is very elegant and elongates like ballet - no spinning, it is a workout. Those DVD's are on http://www.theballet store.com.

Pilates will preserve the strength and reflexes she has built up doing classical ballet. But it is not dancing either.

I'm not sure what she can do at this point - or what would put too much stress on her feet. She sounds like she may be too young for ballroom - but maybe not, and could end up being a champion, with her background.

I hope this helps a bit - I can't think of anything worse than not being able to dance, at that age, and I wish her all the best, Dianne.