The Missing Piece

In Theory, everybody wants to solve life’s puzzles and we’re all looking for the ‘missing piece’, whatever that may be. However life likes to throw curve balls and challenge us to find solutions in many different ways.  If I can relate it back to ballet, one of the most mentally, emotionally and physically challenging careers, there are curve balls to dodge daily; injury, criticism, partnering, casting, fatigue, diet and more. In this day and age, the life of ‘technology and quick fixes’, Millennials and Post-Millennials appear to want instant gratification, whether it be flexibility, strength, quadruple pirouettes, or a job. As much as we’d like to dream, unfortunately there is no instant gratification in ballet, it’s pure hard work and 100’s of 1000’s of hours to get it right, and even when you think you have it right, there’s always something that can be better. Long story short…. good old hard work, dedication and determination will present you with the results you’re after. That’s your missing puzzle piece.

So what bought me to this blog? All the gimmick equipment I see advertised on social media lately. As a physio, I sit and cringe at the site of these gimmicks and wonder what premium of insurance the company requires to market such tools. It really worries me to think dancers may be drawn into marketing like ‘improve your turns with this turn board’, or improve your pointe with the foot stretcher’ or ‘increase your flexibility with this stretch band’, all which are actually harmful to the body. Unfortunately, no where do they actually mention “FREE injury with every purchase”.

Many teachers will educate their students on the harmful nature of these gimmicks, however there may be some who are not aware. If you’re a dancer or teacher and not sure, ask a physio, I’m sure they will rattle off a dozen injuries you’ll need to prepare for if you choose to purchase a “gimmick”,

Learning correct weight placement and the physics behind pirouettes is perhaps a much better way to improve your turns. Actively moving through planes of movement, like pilates, proves a far better way to warm up and stretch than forcing joints with a stretch band. And finally, learning how to pointe your foot by using the correct muscles is a much safer way to improve your pointe. Keep in mind… it is impossible to change the bone structure you are born with. If your foot or hip joints are not made for ballet… perhaps looking at other ways to continue the love of dance may be an option? Again, if you’re not sure, ask your physio, they can do an appropriate assessment to determine whether structure may be a limitation.

I hope you find whatever missing piece you’re after.

Until next time

Mel