Raksha Wisdom - Ballet Feet
Feet... oh no!
So one of my lest favorite, but necessary parts of a dancer is their feet.
I don't know if you have the same peeve that I do, where you don't like people looking or touching your feet, well I have that peeve. Odd considering I worked with feet. (Guess its just my own)
Anyway some things to remember for any dancer is that not every one has the same shape, strength and ability in their feet as the next dancer. Some dancers like me work years to do things others can do naturally. In the same breath I have such strong feet you can see the muscles with ease.
Lets start with the different types of feet, specifically focusing on your arch.
In this image we can see there are 4 basic feet types, I have a High arch which makes Pointe work excruciating but my feet if executed correctly are very nice to look at.
Dancers with flat feet find it difficult to execute the feet work in ballet due to the required strength and flexibility they do not naturally posses. This does not mean you cannot dance, it simply means you have a lot of stretching and strengthening needed to advance.
The best type of foot I believe a dancer needs is inbetween normal and a high arch. Why you may ask... a normal foot has the needed basic structure to complete the required tasks where as a high arch has the required natural strength and beauty every dancer strives for.
Some strengthening tips or foot pain tips:
- Rises and lowers on the spot, on the steps anywhere you can. Make sure its straight up and straight down.
-Roll a ball under your foot to relave tension.
-Pull towel towards you with your toes.
-Thera band: This has multiple uses.
- A good rub and soak. This always goes down well after a long hard day.
If anyone has any questions let me know I can maybe answer them in upcoming blogs.
I'm a Lisa follower, she has some good tips.
Always respected you ballet dancers for the toe strength!
And they say us bboys have it hard. Nah! haha.
ha ha, ya you know when people say you acting like a girl... I always think, if only you knew.
I watched Black Swan and that was just wow.
interesting and nice article. thanks for sharing!!!!!!!
I invite you to follow me and see my publications
I have it somewhere in the house. I need to find it, the rubber band :)
excelent post!!!!
I cannot stand anyone touching my feet and I would not dream of touching anyone feet. I think I have normal feet but they do not look good. Interesting and informative.
appreciate the share, I guess I'm not the only one:)
Yes there are some things you should know
There are some movements you should practice a lot
practice equals strength
I have heard that walking barefoot will also increase foot strength, but I haven't verified if for myself.
Not to sure on that thought, but I do know walking bare foot on the beach is a natural exfoliant and its very good for babies ankle movement.