Dance Anatomy & Kinesiology

340 Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology

would emphasize that there are unique challenges

related to pointe work that will not be developed with

demi-pointe. These demands include (1) greater

challenge to the flexor hallucis longus due to the

necessity of producing force at a shorter length

(because it is not lengthened across the MTP joint as

with demi-pointe) and its key role in pushing down

into the ground to facilitate going from demi-pointe

to pointe (MTP flexion); (2) greater strength and

coordinated contraction required in other flexors

and extensors of toes (particularly the great toe) to

stabilize the toes in extension and prevent toe flexion

(knuckling) when actually on pointe (figure 6.41);

and (3) greater forces borne by the first two toes

and balance challenges associated with decreasing

the base of support from the ball of the foot to the

small toe box of the pointe shoe.

Hence, in addition to the prior suggestions, the

author would also encourage the use of supplemental

conditioning exercises and an initial progressive use

of pointe within the technique class to assist with the

transition into pointe work. Some pointe-specific

exercises are shown in figure 6.42, and other relevant

exercises that will be described in the next section

are included in the sample pointe preparation rou-

tine given in table 6.5. These exercises should be

added three to six months prior to beginning pointe

and performed only if no pain is experienced and

there are no medical contraindications. The last two

exercises are more advanced exercises and should

be added only after the other exercises have been

performed for about six weeks. If time is limited, the

exercises with an asterisk are most specific to pointe

and can be prioritized, with additional exercises

selected in accordance with the specific dancer’s

technique needs.

In terms of introduction of pointe work into

technique class, the approach used by some ballet

schools of starting with simple exercises at the barre

for the last 15 to 30 minutes of technique class,

which gradually progress in difficulty and duration,

is very sound from a physiological perspective. Ini-

tial presentation of pointe work that is too difficult

or too long in duration for current strength and

coordination levels can result in the development

of undesired compensations or injury. In contrast,

a well-designed program that is initially performed

two to three times per week and gradually progresses

in duration and difficulty should allow the necessary

development of strength and skill for more advanced

work with sound technique.

Conditioning Exercises for the Ankle and Foot

The ankle-foot is a common site of injury in dance,

and adequate strength and flexibility are necessary

for lowering injury risk, as well as enhancing per-

formance.

Strength Exercises for the Ankle-Foot

Sample strength exercises for the ankle-foot are

provided in table 6.6, and a brief description of their

importance follows. When strengthening exercises for

Influence of Knee Position on Foot Mechanics

• Knee position in a parallel plié. Perform a demi-plié in parallel first position. As the knees bend,
  purposely guide the midpoint of the kneecap well inside the feet and notice how the feet tend to pro-
  nate. Now guide the knees over the feet, and find the path of the knee where the foot stays neutral
  without rolling in or out and with desired weight distribution on the foot. Lastly, purposely guide the
  midpoint of the kneecap well outside the feet, and notice how the foot inverts. Perform a parallel plié
  the way you normally would and see if you need to make any correction in knee placement so that a
  neutral position of the foot is maintained.


• Knee position in a turned-out plié. Repeat the procedures just described while performing a
  second-position demi-plié in turnout. Do you notice any difference with the addition of turnout? Adjust
  the facing of your feet slightly out and in from how you normally stand, and notice the effect on your
  feet. How do changes in foot position influence foot mechanics? How does maintaining turnout at the
  hip influence foot mechanics? How do these factors relate to coupling of the leg and foot?

CONCEPT DEMONSTRATION 6.4