| Ballet is a strenuous art form that can take a toll | | | | wear properly fitted and padded shoes. Pointe |
| on the body, particularly the feet. Proper care is | | | | students should take special care in selecting the |
| essential to prevent injuries and discomfort. It is | | | | appropriate padding for the box of the shoe to |
| important to clean the feet as soon as possible | | | | prevent serious injuries. Arch band supports can |
| after a class or performance. This will help to | | | | also help to prevent serious injuries to the feet. |
| prevent foot fungus that can easily develop while | | | | It is important for dancers to always take care of |
| dancing and can spread if students are barefoot in | | | | their injuries promptly. Medicated gauze can be |
| changing rooms or backstage. | | | | used to wrap any injured toes or areas that |
| Soaking the feet in a basin of warm water can | | | | bleed. It is crucial to wrap any injuries promptly |
| help to ease sore muscles and bring down any | | | | with tight, stretchy bandages to help support the |
| joint swelling. Adding some Epsom salts to the | | | | feet. Finally, any serious injuries or problems that |
| warm water can be very soothing to the muscles | | | | seem to be getting worse should be properly |
| of the feet. Ballet dancers should be careful about | | | | attended to by a doctor or podiatrist. Serious |
| maintaining their toenails. Long toenails can easily | | | | injuries that are left untreated could prevent a |
| become impacted or infected during time spent | | | | dancer from being able to dance in the future. |
| on the toes. | | | | A dancers feet are their most important tool so |
| Pointe presents special challenges for the ballet | | | | look after them and give them lots of TLC and |
| dancer's feet. It is extremely important to always | | | | they will pay you back for years to come. |