Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 9/3/2007

Question
My question is when is the best time for my daughter to get back into ballet given our unique set of circumstances.  My daughter is seven years four months old, and has taken ballet for two years.  The last year, she took ballet twice a week under a very serious, well respected dance teacher.  My daughter is also a gymnast, and I should say predominantly a gymnast. (Sorry, I know that is almost like nails on the chalkboard to most ballerinas).  Last February, she injured the growth plate in the fifth metatarsol of her right foot.  She was in casts for three months, and then physical therapy.  We don't know exactly what caused the injury (There was no fall, or moment of sudden pain.) so we are working under the assumption that it was overuse or a possible roll-out injury that she doesn't remember.  She is now back to practicing gymnastics four times a week, three hours each time.  We feel, with the consultation of a good physical therapist, that for the time being, she should not start ballet because she needs rest days for her feet.  I am not sure yet if it is related, but she also has flat feet (just FYI).  Though she has a gymnast body, on the short side, very lean, muscular body and short legs, she LOVES ballet, and is devastated that she cannot be in ballet this year.  I guess I really have several questions.  Have you ever seen a ballerina get a growth plate injury to the fifth metatarsol?  If so, is that a sign that her foot is not designed for ballet and ballet should be avoided?  If this were your daughter, when would your recommend putting her back into ballet from your point of view (of course, I'd take the advice of the doctor and physical therapist as well)?  I should mention that I am a former gymnast and back in my day, ballet was a requirement for gymnastics.  That is not so much the case these days with the focus on tumbling in the sport, but you can see the lack of grace at even the top levels.  The girls are still required to do double pirouettes on the floor exercise, among other ballet techniques.  I am a firm believer in the assets of ballet training for gymnasts.  Is there any other general advice you can give me from your point of view?

Answer
Hi Maria. Growth plate injuries do require a very long term follow up. I wouldn't worry about your daughter not taking ballet right now - professional ballet students don't even start ballet till age 9.

Growth plate injuries are usually caused by over-use, such as rigorous athletic training. It wouldn't mean that your daughter's feet are not suited to ballet.

A chiropractor could also give you some feedback on this, would check her feet (as well as all her joints) and correct any misalignments. This improves nerve flow and circulation. I recommend an activator chiropractor. They don't twist and push to correct, but use a low-force, specific-thrust instrument. You can find one at activator.com.

Also a chiropractor who prescribes natural supplements could  recommend a raw bone meal supplement, if that tests as needed. These types of supplements are often used after fractures.

I usually recommend the Classical Stretch DVD's to older persons, but at http://www.theballetstore.com you'll see one on the store page. It is a 50 min. balletic stretchy workout with balletic music and you and your daughter might like doing it together. It would certainly be suited for you with your background. It wouldn't replace the fun of a ballet class for her, but there is very little foot work in it, and yet the positions and movements are all ballet based.

Classical Stretch was developed by Miranda Esmonde White, you may even have seen it on PBS. She is a retired dancer. This is just a thought, if it might make her feel in touch with ballet and relieve the waiting to get back to it.

In the meantime, she is getting an early life lesson in taking care of herself properly and allowing her body to do what it does well, heal, if allowed to.

And she's got a great supportive and understanding mom to help!

I hope this answer is useful...Dianne

A brief follow up - I've recommended to almost everyone to read my articles and blog entries at http://www.theballetstore.com You have to create a user name to log in to see all the blog entries - your privacy is safe! I really apologize that I didn't tell you this - I'm not a technical person!