Ballet – Page 19

Blisters And Corns Between Toes (Interdigital Lesions) by Dr. Sinkoe

January 26, 2012 by 4dancers

Today we welcome back Dr. Sinkoe with some information on something that plagues many dancers–blisters and corns between the toes–also known as “interdigital lesions”…

Corns and blisters between toes can be painful for a dancer. Pain is usually noticed with wearing all closed in shoes. In dance, the ballerina will have pain in pointe shoes, particularly when in demi-pointe. The most common location is between the 4^th and 5^th toes. The 5^th toe usually curls and abuts against the 4^th toe. The lesion may initially appear and feel soft but will harden over time. The softer lesion is usually a blister which will develop a callous. Dancers often attempt treatment with applying medicated pads which contain salicylic acid. This medication can injure the skin and result in a more painful lesion.

Treatment: [Read more…]

10 Questions With…Dalia Rawson

January 23, 2012 by 4dancers

I’m always amazed at the things I learn about dancers when I read these interviews, and today is no exception. Meet Dalia Rawson. Read her story. Be amazed. She’s one impressive lady…

Grad Ball — Dalia Rawson in "Graduation Ball", Photo by Marty Sohl

1. How did you become involved with dance?

The first time I ever moved might be considered dancing. I had been either very small or very still while my mother was pregnant with me. She says that late in the pregnancy she had never felt me move or kick. My parents had a season subscription to the Joffrey Ballet in NYC, and while watching the performance in the theater, my mother felt me move, apparently reacting to the music by kicking and rolling, for the first time. When I was a baby they called me twinkle toes, because I couldn’t keep still if there was any music playing. I was in local dance class by age two, a more serious ballet school at age six or seven, and San Francisco Ballet School at age nine.

2. What are you currently doing in the field?

Currently I choreograph and set ballets and I teach. I am the Artistic Director of The Rawson Project Contemporary Ballet, a small company I founded in 2010 for which I have created a small repertory of original works. I am also the Ballet Mistress of Ballet San Jose School where I teach all levels of the professional division, and Rehearsal Assistant for Ballet San Jose, for whom I run rehearsals and re-stage works.

3. Would you share a special moment from your career with readers? [Read more…]

“The Perfect Arch” by Dr. Sinkoe

January 19, 2012 by 4dancers

Today we bring you the first in a series of articles for 4dancers by Dr. Sinkoe, a podiatrist from Georgia who works with the Atlanta Ballet. He was kind enough to share some thoughts on the best ways to help strengthen and improve your arch. Look for additional information from Dr. Sinkoe this month and next month on subjects such as warts and bruised toenails...

Dancers are always looking for ways to obtain that “perfect arch”. Every foot is genetically designed differently and not everybody will be able to achieve that “perfect arch”. Stretching and flexibility exercises are always helpful. However, I caution those that are attempting to achieve this position with the use of spring-loaded devices or placing their foot under the couch or other furniture to try to stretch the ligaments at the top of the foot. The midfoot joints are supported by strong ligaments and will allow the bones of the midfoot to only glide up and down. Attempting to make the midfoot joints act as hinge joints will injure the ligaments. If the ligaments are overstressed they can become weakened which can result in a sprained ligament or a subluxed joint.

The most effective method to strengthen the arch is to strengthen the foot muscles which stabilize the toes. These muscles are located on the bottom of the foot. Exercises to contract these muscles will flex the arch, giving you a dome appearance, thus the name “doming exercises”. Strong foot muscles will also reduce the incidence of tendonitis and metatarsal stress fractures. Experienced dancers will learn to use these muscles to stabilize themselves on pointe rather than depending on the pointe shoe to do the work.

Exercises for foot strength: [Read more…]

Review: Every Step You Take by Jock Soto

December 5, 2011 by 4dancers

by Catherine L. Tully

I’m fascinated by the lives of dancers. Even though I was one, I can never seem to get past the fact that each of us has such a distinctly different path–and a totally unique perspective on what it is like to live this life.

Because of that, I was excited to read Every Step You Take, a memoir written by Jock Soto (with Leslie Marshall). After all, this is a man that I grew up watching in the ballet world. Soto was a principal dancer with NYCB when he retired at the age of 40, and this book begins with the end of his career on stage. A peek inside the thoughts and fears that swirl around one’s head when the final performance looms, I thought it was a great opener.

Where, I thought, will this book go from here? [Read more…]

The Nutcracker Getaway

November 21, 2011 by 4dancers

Looking for something fun to do to celebrate the holidays? If you are a dancer who still enjoys The Nutcracker, why not reserve a hotel getaway package that includes a night with the Joffrey?

Start out at the majestic JW Marriott Chicago and enjoy signature appetizers and cocktails in the Lobby Lounge, then attend the performance.

The package includes:

Luxury hotel accommodations
Two drinks in lobby lounge
Two orchestra seat tickets to the Nutcracker Ballet
Noon check-in available upon request
Package rates range from $409-$459; availability December 9 – 27, 2011

Reservations for all packages can be made by calling 312 660 8200 or online.

About JW Marriott Chicago

JW Marriott Chicago, which opened November 2010, is located in Chicago’s historic landmark, the Daniel Burnham-designed Continental & Commercial National Bank building at 151 West Adams Street in the heart of Chicago’s financial district. This luxurious hotel underwent a $396 million restoration blending Burnham’s famous architectural style with elegant, modern surroundings. The property features 610 oversized guestrooms including 29 luxurious suites. In addition, the property boasts VALEO, a 20,000-square-foot spa and fitness center-an amenity not found in most city center hotels-and The Florentine, a modern Italian, fine dining restaurant.

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