Feet... oh no!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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-Roll a ball under your foot to relave tension.

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-Pull towel towards you with your toes.

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-Thera band: This has multiple uses.

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• 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.

Happy dancing.