Singapore has a thriving dance scene. This is why an increasing number of young ones are taking up dance, getting into studios, and signing up for classes. Similar to how musicians take care of their instruments, however, dancers must also pay special attention to their feet. Feet support and balance propel dancers in their routines. More than the pedicures and fancy nail art, dancers are more concerned with having a better grasp on the floor with their feet and landing safely every time. Apart from these external factors, a few basic foot care (like the examples below) should come from the dancers themselves so they can keep on doing what they love.
Basic Foot Care for Dancers
1. Get the proper footwear.
When it comes to footwear, there are several factors to consider: fit, style, and traction.
- Proper shoe fitting. For active people, the right shoe fit matters. Shoes that are a size smaller make your feet prone to blisters and corns. Go a size higher and you risk accidents because your shoes keep slipping off your feet. One easy solution to having slightly bigger shoes is custom insoles. Singapore has several specialists and shops that offer this product so you won’t have a problem looking for a seller. A shoe that fits properly can positively affect your posture, which, in turn, affects the biomechanics of your body. The inverse is also true.
- Proper style. Style can affect your feet’s condition and your overall performance as a dancer. Be sure to wear the appropriate style for the activity you are engaging in. For example, if you’re lined up for an afternoon of hip-hop classes, wearing loafers will affect your movement and even cause blisters on your feet, or probably even an injury.
- Proper traction. Footwear traction is simply the reaction of the shoe to the surface you are dancing on. Different shoes have different traction technologies. The proper shoe traction can help enhance your performance and keep you away from dance-related injuries.
2. Cut toenails straight across and keep them short.
Keep your toenails short, giving them a straight cut across and not a curved line. Curved and long toenails put you at risk of getting ingrown toenails. If you already have ingrown toenails, you can find a lot of simple remedies online.
3. Pay attention to any sudden pain.
Whether these are bunions, blisters, corns, sprains, or fractures, pay close attention to it. Listen to your body. Any type of discomfort can and will affect your performance in the studio and on stage. Do not risk a bad move or make it worse by neglecting the pain and dancing through it. Some discomfort or pain may require the help of a podiatrist or physiotherapist. They can help address your problem and prevent it from getting worse.
4. If necessary, use pads, arch bands, and ankle support.
Get the possible support that your feet need. Hours, days, weeks, and years of training and perfecting your craft will take its toll on your feet. Prevent injuries from taking place by using external support to help ensure proper form and care for your feet.
5. Ice your feet regularly.
Put ice your feet regularly to reduce the swelling acquired from hours of training. You can use an ice bag and apply it directly to your feet or roll your feet repetitively on a frozen water bottle. About five to 15 minutes of this several times a day can help relieve swelling and rejuvenate your feet.
Proper foot care is important not just for dancers but for everyone. Our feet take a huge beating in our daily affairs so we can take care of our business. It is just right that we also take care of our feet.
