Correct activation and use of the gluteal muscles in a dancer.
Summary: It is often asked in regards to ballet training how hard the bottom muscles should be working. This article makes a distinction between the turn-out and gluteal muscles and…
How to Treat Achilles Tendon Injuries in a dancer
Summary: Problems in the Achilles tendon are common in dancers and it is a generally poorly understood injury in many dance circles. Lisa Howell in this article summarises the key…
Developing strength and improving the height of leg in a developp.
Summary: Many dancers have amazing flexibility when stretching, but find it hard to use this when dancing, especially with a developp. This article outlines a simple floor exercise aimed at…
Developing effective abdominal control and core strength in dancers.
Summary: The deep abdominal and back muscles are critical for a dancer to maintain good posture and strength throughout class and performance. Lisa Howell, dance physiotherapist, outlines the need for…
Dealing with Bunions En Pointe
Summary: Many girls who start on pointe are scared that they will get bunions from doing pointe work. If a bunion is present it can cause real problems with fitting…
How Do You Fit Pointe Shoes Properly?
Summary: Having pointe shoes that fit well can make all the difference in you loving or hating pointe work, so it is important to get it right from the beginning.…
Ballet Can Avoid Common Foot Injuries
Summary: Many of the common foot injuries sustained by ballet dancers can be prevented, and treated, by the application of some basic knowledge about the structure of muscles in the…
All a dancer needs to know about patellofemoral knee pain.
Summary: : Pain under the kneecap is a common issue in the dance population. It may often be caused by a rolling-in of the feet or the knees. This pain…
Improving the height of demi-pointe in a dancer.
Summary: An essential component of Classical Ballet is having ample strength in the feet to get into a high demi-pointe (or pointe) position. Gaining this position is essential for correct…
Why do dancers often get growing pains?
Summary: As a dancer goes through any period of growth, some pain and stiffness may be noticeable. Unfortunately as we grow, all the action takes place at the growth plates…