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Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,163
Registered: ‎10-04-2010

Awhile back I was reading something on him and the article was saying how he now has leg/foot type problems (I know, a lot of us do), but probably because of dancing he did so well, may I add.

 

So now I'm watching Flaminco dancers on an old movie.  I wonder if they suffer too because of dancing in their youth.

 

Then there's my favorite, ballet dancing.  I wonder how ballerinas do in later years.  I'll have to read up on that.

 

Did anyone here dance professionally, and care to comment?  Just curious.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 23,835
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@qualitygal   Most all athletes ( and dancers are athletes) have wear and tear damage to their bodies over years of dance, sport, or whatever they do.  Many ballerinas have hip and other joint problems... arthritis etc as they age. 

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,033
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

I think many people who repetitious movements that involve pounding or using one part of the body end up with difficulty from it.  My daughter reached a fairly high level in figure skating. They fall on their hips a lot when learning and practicing jumps. She actually knocked her back out of alignment which continues to bother her more than ten years since she last skated. I have seen competitive swimmers develop big shoulders, but I don’t think that causes problems.

 

This is an interesting subject to pursue. 

Personally, I developed shin splints from running. 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 33,056
Registered: ‎05-17-2010

Re: Michael Flatley dancer

[ Edited ]

I’ve rec’d more injuries than I can count being a gymnast from age 3 through college. Sports medicine and a doctor for the team (not evil ones like some now) can prevent permanent injury. I haven’t had to have any bits & pieces replaced, yet, but do have a little arthritis in left hand (wrist & a few fingers) & a few toes on right foot. 

 

Nothing that has stopped me from weight lifting/running or making my jewelry. 

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,517
Registered: ‎08-20-2014

Paul Stanley of Kiss had to have  bilateral hip replacements after dancing around in 10 inch platform shoes for 40 years. Smiley Very Happy

 

I've seen pictures of career ballet dancer's feet - a lot of damage orthopedically and cosmetically.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,775
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Professional dancers are prone to foot and ankle injuries.   Google for more information.......there's quite a lot........

♥Surface of the Sun♥
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,889
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

My daughter’s first job after college graduation was working at a hotel in NYC. She was on her feet for many hours each day. She was referred to a foot specialist who worked primarily with ballet dancers. Apparently they suffer all sorts of foot problems. My daughter was cured after she changed jobs.

 

i was not a professional athlete but I have danced all my life...from childhood to the present day. I figure skated and also played tennis for many years. Then there were the thirty+ years of aerobics. There were times when I did two of those activities on the same day. So, at the age of 70, after buying time with my sports med doc, I had to have knee replacement surgery. Now I’m dancing again.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,095
Registered: ‎03-17-2010

Re: Michael Flatley dancer

[ Edited ]

Spent years in Karate ultimately reaching 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and teaching and have foot and knee problems (3 surgeries) from repetitious hard movements on cement with only an indoor-outdoor carpet on top.  Can't  soften up the floor because then the stylists wouldn't be able to spin on the ball of their feet!  

*~"Never eat more than you can lift......" Miss Piggy~*
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,354
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@qualitygal wrote:

Awhile back I was reading something on him and the article was saying how he now has leg/foot type problems (I know, a lot of us do), but probably because of dancing he did so well, may I add.

 

So now I'm watching Flaminco dancers on an old movie.  I wonder if they suffer too because of dancing in their youth.

 

Then there's my favorite, ballet dancing.  I wonder how ballerinas do in later years.  I'll have to read up on that.

 

Did anyone here dance professionally, and care to comment?  Just curious.


I danced ballet professionally for a few years, then realized I'd never be pricipal dancer and end up poor/uneducated/retired by 32. You'd be surprised how this happens to many dancers, unfortunately.

 

I still am extremely limber, especially with a good warmup. I have some problems w/my rt. hip on occasion, butoverall am alright. Feet still have strong arch and instep, but toenails arent super nice-clean, but thick. I keep nails short and even cut, nude polish only in summer.

 

I am very careful of feet care and watching not to stress my knees.

 

I only wish I was under 100 lbs. I feel like a dirigible.