Expert: Connie - 11/16/2007

Question
Hi Connie, I'm 17 and I run about 40 km a week in training for long distance races but I've always wanted to take up ballet and jazz because before I became a runner around 2 years ago I was extremely flexible but since, my muscles are always stiff and lack much movement, even though I stretch often I love running but I also think I'd love to learn to be able to dance beautifully, and in the presence of people without nerves! A girl from my school who dances at a national level, runs on a treadmill on her tiptoes. Does ballet cause inevitable effects such as those?

xx Cheers, Tiffany


Answer
Definitely not!  I have no idea why she runs on her tiptoes, that's very strange.
The only problem with doing both dance and running is that they can both be very difficult on your body.  Injuries are more common when doing both.  However, dancing will help you gain flexibility and if you're just using it as a supplement to running it should not cause any injuries at all.
Enjoy your dance classes!