Just Toetapping: 2011

Monday, November 14, 2011

Saturday, May 28, 2011

This information comes from a great friend out in California . Who Has been Toetapping for the last twenty five years. When I asked her for some information on how to help people who toetap . Lessen there chances of foot problems. Before ,during and after a performance . She responded "get Arnica". I use it ! I had to do some toetap for two weeks strait . I rub it in before a performance and soak my socks in it after one . I never had feet issues when using it.
If it was good enough for her . I can pass on the information .
Arnica:
Medicinal usesArnica montana has been used medicinally for centuries.The roots contain derivatives of thymol, which are used as fungicides and preservatives. Arnica is currently used in liniment and ointment preparations used for strains, sprains, and bruises. Commercial arnica preparations are frequently used by professional athletes.

The thymol derivatives concentrated in the plants roots have been clinically shown to be effective vasodilators of subcutaneous blood capillaries. In one double-blind trial, Arnica montana was found to be equally effective as the more expensive diclofenac for accelerating wound healing after foot surgery, but was less effective than the same drug for pain relief. However, Diclofenac does not promote wound healing as it is an anti-inflammatory drug . A study of wound-healing after surgery to treat varicose veins found a trend towards a beneficial effect of reduction of pain and hematoma following surgery.

Overview:
Arnica (Arnica montana) has been used for medicinal purposes since the 1500s and remains popular today. Applied topically as a cream, ointment, liniment, salve, or tincture, Europeans and Native Americans have used arnica to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds. It is often the first remedy used for injuries such as sprains and bruises. Arnica in herbal form is primarily restricted to topical (external) use because it can cause serious side effects when taken internally. Arnica is often used in homeopathy, and should be taken internally only in the extremely diluted form common to homeopathic remedies. If you have any question about whether you have the herbal or homeopathic form of arnica, talk to your doctor before taking it.

Plant Description:
Arnica is a perennial that grows to a height of 1 - 2 feet with yellow-orange flowers similar to daisies. Stems are round and hairy, ending in one to three flower stalks, with flowers 2 - 3 inches across. Leaves are bright green. The upper leaves are toothed and slightly hairy, while lower leaves have rounded tips. It is native to the mountains of Europe and Siberia, and is cultivated in North America.

Parts Used:
Fresh or dried flower heads are used in medicinal preparations.

Medicinal Uses and Indications:
•Arnica is used topically for a wide range of conditions, including bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, rheumatic pain, inflammation from insect bites, and swelling due to fractures.
•Homeopathic preparations are also used to treat sore muscles, bruises, and other conditions caused by overexertion or trauma. Homeopathic doses are extremely diluted. They have no detectable amount of the plant in them and are generally considered safe for internal use when taken according to the directions on the product labeling.
Available Forms:
Arnica is available commercially in topical creams and ointments. It is most commonly prepared as a tincture, which can also be used as the base for compresses and poultices. Arnica oil may also be used in topical preparations.

A number of homeopathic remedies are available in pill, topical, or injectable forms.

How to Take It:
Arnica should not be taken internally without direct medical supervision, except in dilute form as a homeopathic remedy, because side effects may be severe (see "Precautions").

Homeopathic products should be used according to directions on the label or the advice of your homeopathic practitioner. Health care providers may give homeopathic preparations by injection.

When using arnica topically, never place on an open wound without a doctor's supervision.

Pediatric

Homeopathic preparations may be used to treat bruising, swelling, and trauma to soft tissues. Follow the dosage instructions on the product label or consult a licensed homeopath.

Adult

Topical preparations of arnica may be prepared as follows:

•Tincture: a 1:10 tincture prepared with 70% ethanol
•Creams and ointments: 20 - 25% tincture or a maximum of 15% arnica oil made from one part dried arnica flower head and five parts vegetable oil
•Compresses: tincture diluted 3 - 10 times with water
•Poultices: tincture diluted 3 - 10 times with water
•Mouthwash: tincture diluted 10 times with water (should not be swallowed)
Precautions:
Arnica is generally safe when used topically (externally). However, prolonged use may irritate the skin, causing eczema, peeling, blisters, or other skin conditions. Arnica should not be used on broken skin, such as leg ulcers. Also, people who are hypersensitive or allergic to the herb should avoid it.

Arnica is rarely used as an internal herbal remedy because it can cause dizziness, tremors, and heart irregularities. It may also irritate mucous membranes and cause vomiting. Large doses can even be fatal. Do not take arnica internally except under close supervision of your doctor. Homeopathic remedies, which use very small amounts of arnica, can usually be taken safely.

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs.

Possible Interactions:
When used topically or in a homeopathic remedy, arnica does not interact with any conventional medications
Where to get it:

Manufacturer: NELSON HOMEOPATHICS
Description: Arnica Cream
Size: 50 gm
I belive this is the one she is speaking of . I will ask her to be sure and Post her answer .

Evicted

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Arnica (Toetap foot cream)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Evicted

Once again I was not asked to leave . But, told by the husband of the woman who owned the dance studio. By saying repeatedly, You paid this much . I will give you a refund . When I asked why ?! He told me the teachers and the female students was complaining to him . Of my body odor. I looked at him in disbelief. He quickly made out a check then, shook my hand . I walked out . I am a over weight male out of shape and, they don't except me to sweat! I don't think I can do this . I have now gone through every dance studio that will take me . I don't want to break my promise. To a dear friend . Right now I just want to hide and die. I just can not belive it!!!!!!!! Lost another studio and this one had a teacher that knew Toetap! I can not afford 150.00 per hour for a private lessons. I so embaressed I just want to die !

lost another one

I starting to feel like the child nobody wanted. After I got home . I just went into my room and just cried. I really don't want to do any ballet right now . She gave me so much hope! Now it is gone. I really don't want to look for another teacher . Her reason : Svetlana run a non profit ballet school . She is the artist director and head administrator for fund raising. Right now she is into raising money . Her Partner Venti Petrov is doing a Broadway production .That he is directing . So, I can not go there . I am not good enough to be put into beginning pointe class. I am a student in that gray area that one one knows what to do with. Maybe ... I just .. I don't know do .

Svetlana from lumiere ballet

Well It is Saturday ..D-day sort of speaking. As promised , I showed up a little before 2:30.
I brought pictures of some toetap dancers ,and my art work . Sort of a ice breaker and Svetlana seemed interested in seeing them . When we spoke the week before. As we waited for the studio . I opened my portfolio and let her view the art work . She said I had a real understanding for the physics of the dance. Svetlana had to speak to the mothers of the group for a few minutes .Before she entered the studio with me . So, I went ahead As I entered the main studio . I came across a grey floor material . Some sort of floating floor with a echo . I know because when my shoes hit it . My stomach muscles tightened when it resounded into the mirrored room.I started to sweat... a coldish sweat. There was some benches by a wall before the main studio . I moved towards a started to remove my shoes and socks. At the moment Svetlana came in. Saying you can wear socks for today. I want to see your shoes . I opened my bag and showed her my blochs pointes and slippers. The slippers was new I still had not worn them . She picked up on that as soon as the hit her hand . I told her I don't even know how to do a tondu.. Oh why did I say that!
We moved towards the main studio She said Face the bar . I grabbed it like it was a life line . I rolled up my pants . Then followed her into first position Then she starts a 4 /4 down beat count . With each movement of her foot .. What .. I in trouble ! All I have to do for now is follow. She was teaching a tondu in 4/4 time.All the todus when she was done with them .She stopped at which I thought ,we was all done ...wrong! It was time for the pointe shoes and releves! I did not catch it at first because she rolled the R. When she said, you say it releve. A lump in my throat formed. OMG! In first from flat to demi to pointe back to flat,.. Then in second. I have been with physical trainers for 45 minutes .. and I have got to say . They never raised my heart beat like she did. I was sweating for real! She moved me through so many things today to see my alignment. It is still a blurr. We moved back to the area of the benches and, talked a bit.
I asked her ..you wanted to see my alignment. What did you find out .? She answered I was pleasantly surprised. She looked at me and said I am not going to charge you for to day.Come back next Saturday same time . I replied I could kiss you..thank you.
I have a TEACHER! Wa hoo! Damn I hope I remember all the steps.!

A Teacher Maybe

A Teacher maybe?

To all my friend who read the previous blog.
Well I done a few stupid thing in my day . That one is in the top ten so far..
I had a dear friend for many years now. She has never scolded me in anything until yesterday.
Also, I never had a future teacher tell me don't do anything else on your own . That what I here for.
To keep a promise to a dear friend . I went to seek another teacher . Svetlana from lumiere ballet was suggested. A Russian teacher it was thought that the male teacher would have .Taught me due to him being a male Russian trained dancer . It was thought he would have understood my complex set of problems.
I arrived in deer park about noon. Entered to studio , and was addressed by a woman behind a desk. I heard her talking to another dancer about getting a foot doctor. When she addressed me ,I suggested my cousin Alan Brey . Gave her his name and where he was . I said maybe I should tell you a little about myself before, I get rejected. I told her about my first encounter in elementary school with dance and ,how my mom did not want her child in tights.Told her about the previous teacher , my pointe shoes and, how I prep my feet for pointe work . At that point, she said you do not need to do all that. That the third ballet dancer that said that to me . She made me an appointment for next Saturday at 2:30 my time. She wants to see my alignment. I still don't know what she means. I told her I was trying to do a Echeppe. She said without missing a beat ...your not ready for that yet. I told her I don't understand the ballet terms . She whipped back that what I am here for. I show you...you do! Call me Friday to remind me .

At that point I left . Sweating... and I did not really know why?!
Damn My knee is really numb. My Physical Therapist is really going to lay into me on Monday for that stunt!

Stretching in first

Friday, March 11, 2011

Stretching in first

While trying my feet at a Echeppe

I discovered My feet would not bend into the proper

Ballet position. As you can see from the picture . First and Fifth position are at a 180 degree feet rotation. From the normal feet position. No matter how hard I tried ,I just could not get my feet into ballet form.

I tried it bare footed with skin gripping the rug . I managed to hold it with some slipping. So, since I am somewhat a stubborn person . I will find a way. maybe not the correct way.Yet, a way.
I was sitting at the computer. With the ballet bar next to me .Just starring at it .Asking my self "how can I get my feet like the picture." Need someway to keep them in position....Mmmm to push against.

I remembered that I had the 2x4 piece of lumber that I used .Before, I changed over to the metal feet for the ballet bar. The lumber was still the same size as the ballet bar in length. I removed the small side bracing's .So, I had one long piece of lumber . I laid it down across so, the ends of the ballet bar.So, they touched the wood.
Now standing in front of the bar . I addressed it. Hello ballet bar ! giggle.. sorry a little humor.
I placed my feet far apart a drew them together into First position . I must say one thing .

OMG! My muscles feel like there ripping! From my toes into the knees to my lower back! My eye ball are rolling into the back of my head! To quote Dr. Smith "oh the pain ..the pain..the pain!!!!"
With my feet still now glued in the first position. I rolled my back into a circular motion and bowed over. I moved leaning away from the bar and then back to it. I was determined to hold this position. After a minute or two . I pushed one foot away and pointed it ,then pulled it back. then did the same with the other side . Then tried to let go of the bar . Not a good Idea. . After five minutes the pain level did go down a bit . I then tried to Releve in this position . Did it to a full demi pointe. Then returned to First. With a little problem . I sure with a little more practice. I can remove the wood all together .
There must be a easier way. To stretch out the feet . Any sugestions?

lost Teach

Today I called Nora for my two week review. She said she could not do it this week .Due to getting ready for a performance . To call her the middle of next week for the appointment. I said ok. Then the shoe dropped! She started with I don't really know where your going with this . I don't have a Adult pointe class I can put you in. Can you go to the city? There are a lot more options there . I look up to see if I can find you any .
I don't have the fund to travel back and forth nor do I have the time . Sigh She was perfect! I made a promise to a friend. That I would not do pointe work with out a teacher .
DAMN IT ALL!! I was having a blast! Even with the pain. I guess I'll dissasemble the ballet bar,and put away the shoes . Damn it . Sigh!!!

A poor mans Ballet bar

Hello My friends ,

The next step in getting to the exercises Nora gave me . I did not have enough money to send to a company for a ballet bar . So, I drafted one !

went down to the local hardware store . Now mine is on a 2x4 with three outward braces . Now 2x4 today are about two inches high. I needed a height of 44 inches . Here what you are going to need to build one

I made mine out of 3/4 galvanised pipe.

Two 3/4 by 24 inch sections

Two 90 degree elbows

Three 3/4 flange

One 3/4 T coupler

Three 3/4 by 10 inch sections

Three 3/4 couplers

Three 3/4 by 30 inch sections

If you want to make it like the picture above

Your going to needed Three 3/4 T's

With 6 more sections of pipe

Ok building time

Take one 90 degree elbow and put a 24 inch section followed by a T then another 24 inch section Followed by a 90 .That is the top section The legs are the following The 10 inch sections

The a coupler followed by a 30 inch section On mine the legs are screwed into a 3/4 flange.

If you want to make it to the picture the feet go a 3/4 T followed by a pipe section on each side .

That all there is to it . I made mine for about 50.00 US

Two Pink Shoes

I knew my entering the world of pointe work .Was a long process . The lady that has given me a chance . Is Nora from the Ballet Center in Old Bethpage NY. A really dear a sweet woman to meet. When I introduced myself she was a bit taken . Sort of like my first intro to one of my dearest friends. When She had gotten over the shock . Then understood I had gotten a pair of pointes. From Pirouette and how she had fitted me .She wanted to see me with them. Today at 3:30 pm was the appointed time . I arrived early just to give a good impression .

There is no fooling a pro! In all reality I was not going to try. I lost a lot of knowledge after my stroke . So it is fair to say I am again a Ballet new born. She told me that most dancers Marked there shoes left of right after there broken in . Me I just started them that way. Nora looked at the shoes and the pads .Also she looked at the way I attached the elastic and ribbons. Before she let me put them on my feet . I really admire her for her carefulness. She asked me to go to the bar. Put my feet into first position . Then roll onto pointe . The minute I did . She said ,you need to learn more about ballet! See ya can not fool a pro! I was not getting over the box properly. So, She gave me three exercises to do .

One was the first position to a plie to a roll then roll down.

Second was a modified Battement tendu . The modification was at the end where the foot points. At that point I was to flex the foot upward then back down and ,go to the next part of the movement.

The third is a well To me look like a sideways runner stretch. You start out in first roll onto pointe and push one foot over the box then roll back down . I don't know what it is call yet two times made my left foot look better and my right calf scream.She got annoyed a little .Because I was looking down to see what I was doing wrong. Nora wanted me to have my ears over my shoulders. I don't know why yet she said it makes a difference.

Could any one tell me why it makes a difference?

She said to walk around the house with my shoes on . If I don't want to get them dirty , put some socks over them .

Also to get a ballet bar at 44 inches which is a good height for me . Well looks like I going down to the hardware store and building one.

She said to do them for two weeks and give her a call . I guess to see how I doing ...maybe to give me somemore excerise's to do. I really can not wait!

Well that my blog about my first baby step into pointe

Ever Since I was Little

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Ever Since I was Little

Since I saw a ballerina dance.I wanted to be a dancer . My mom had other Ideas. She never wanted her son to be in tights. So, my dream of dancing ballet died! In my late teens I took up ballroom to my mom it was a respectable dance. Since my partner was my cousin it was even better .....for her. So I drew dancers and studied books on the subject. When a question on toetap came my way . I was intrigued, I never thought of the journey to would bring me on . I just was curious about it.
The subject seemed to relight my passion for ballet and pointe . I meet people on line who had knowledge and similar view point as myself. Also, they was willing to share there knowledge to educate me .Not only in casting of metal .Also in pointe shoes. I could not have gotten where I am with out them and there support.
I have been losing weight for a few years now. I started at 368 and as of yesterday I am 206. A few weeks ago I was curious . I had a pair of Sansha 202's. They was my X's. So, I tried them on While the width was ok the length was like a half inch too short . They was a 13X shoe size for a 10 street shoe.Which was ok for her. Since, I only wore them as a bed shoe they where ok. Over a week the shoe was producing some red marks on my feet and toes . I had asked a dancer friend if I was allergic to the shoe. She said no if the red marks go away ,over the course of the day. My dear friend said why don't you get fitted for a pair. This idea I dreaded. I had been trying to crack the sizing and pointe shoe code for a few years now .With no real direction or recourse. They was nothing I could not figure out with enough information . I knew my foot was a Greek peasant with a very small morton toe. I join dance sites saw there information on the different types of feet VS shoe types. It is still a blure to me . I finally coincided to my friends advice and went down to a local dance shop . I deal with to get shoes . For dancers who want tap and shoes . Without sending me there shoe's .So, the owner sort of knew me . I told her I wanted to know more about a pointe shoe fitting. After some misunderstanding . She understood that , I was going to buy and most likely put a pair of taps on them. Then scheduled me an appointment for Tuesday the 8th. at 12:15. She wanted to see some toetaps and, some of the pictures of the Tapperinas. I said Ok . We parted with some reservations about the appointed time on both parts. As I was leaving She said, I am thinking of a Sonata. That I think will work for you. I thought SONATA?! I tried to look up the shoe on line for its box size. With no luck. The days dragged on like years. I thought Tuesday would never come . After Monday , I thought I would have to cancel it all together.
I was waiting at a light when another driver decided to meet me with there car ! Into my drivers door!. I am in great back pain from the impact. Once I make up my mind I really don't change it. Unless someone has a really good point.
Tuesday cometh : As the time approached I became really nervous. Yet , I was not going to show her. I was not serious about this lesson. I showed up at the dance shop . (Pirouette 51 Green Street Huntington NY)At a good time no one in the shop. The little voice inside me went YAE!. She looked at me and said ok .Your here for a fitting. Come back to the stage . Before you go on the stage take off your shoes. Ahh shit! I have men's feet and ,been walking all morning . They really smell. Oh why didn't I wash them before coming here . I made sure . I ask her and the socks ? She replied Yup! Oh damn it . I took them off and hope the smell would dissipate before she got back. She came out of the office . Then sort of pointed .Ok over there . Over there was a wooden stool with a red velvet seat cover. It looked kinda nice. I did, still hoping she would not notice .My now less smelly feet. She sat down upon a shoe salesman stool . Asked me to roll up my pants and , raise my foot and, with the speed of a bull roper. She put on and quickly tied a knot in the back of each nylon . I don't know foot sock for a lack of a better term. She did not ask my foot size just looked at them. Said you really don't have a big foot . Then went into the stock room . Before she came out. She asked are you going to toetap with socks on. I said "if I am going to do this ...no. Do you need pads...Mmmm if I am going to do this ahh yes.Came back with a box with a set of toepads and two shoe box's. took out a pair . Broke the back and the box a little and put them on. Ask me to put the platform on the floor and felt the material at the heel. Then went down in size to the next one . Then repeated the procedure with that shoe. Then went in the back for another. When I tried on that one and put the platform on the floor . She was satisfied (Satisfied was when there was a finger worth of material when pointed)to move on to the next part. She asked me to move over to the mirror. Then stand in first position. I was so nervous .I forgot what first position was. She showed me with her hands . I ask ,what I should be feeling . She said , You should be feeling your toes tight and not able to freely wiggle around.If that is happening that is a no no! Also, You should feel your toes sung against the platform and, not compressed(Knuckling). Then she asked me to plie`.Do you feel anything ?. I replied besides my calf muscles screaming. She replied (with holding a smile back) yes. I said no. With a ok, she ask me to step back and roll on to pointe. Which I did, almost perfectly. I really need to work on getting my feet and ankle to stretch out to a full 90 degrees.
I asked why she choose a Sonata? She replied " The Sonata has a wide box and does not have long wings .Also, it does not have a high vamp . So, when you go on to pointe your not fighting the shoe. You don't need a high vamp also,because you don't have a high arch.Also ,you have a very insignificant morton toe. So, in the Sonata's you should not feel it. Wow! To get all that just by looking at someones feet. She knows feet and shoes like I know toetaps! I told her if I was going to the next step I would need a teacher. I damn sure not going to self teach pointe work. I got back on my sock and shoes. Payed for the dance Items. We talked about toetap .Showed her some pictures and some taps. She said If I make a flyer .She would put it up in the shop to advertise my toetaps . I must say she is a very kind and good soled person . Made me feel very calm and important. Then she told me about a possible teacher . Wrote down her address .Then handed it to me on her business card. Before I left. I said, I thought you was going to choose a shoe like the Elan for its wide box. She Just shook her head no . Not a shoe for you.I learned a lot from her . One thing is for sure a fitting is like ballet to get it right. You need to get it from someone who knows! Oh yea the shoe size came out to be a Bloch 7 E. Who woulda thought?

Answer To A Friend

Answer to a friend

When you told me that the cramping was the spasming type .I thought of the Nutritionist advice, and here it is.

Sudden spamming in the leg can be caused by:
1) Dehydration
2) Lack of Potassium
3) Lack of Magnesium
Information on Potassium
Overview:
Potassium is a very important mineral for the proper function of all cells,
tissues, and organs in the human body. It is also an electrolyte, a substance
that conducts electricity in the body, along with sodium, chloride, calcium, and
magnesium. Potassium is crucial to heart function and plays a key role in
skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, making it important for normal digestive
and muscular function, too. Many foods contain potassium, including all meats,
some types of fish (such as salmon, cod, and flounder), and many fruits,
vegetables, and legumes. Dairy products are also good sources of potassium.

Information on Magnesium

Every organ in the body -- especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys -- needs
the mineral magnesium. It also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones.
Most important, it activates enzymes, contributes to energy production, and
helps regulate calcium levels as well as copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D, and
other important nutrients in the body.

You can get magnesium from many foods. However, most people in the United States
probably do not get as much magnesium as they should from their diet. Foods rich
in magnesium include whole grains, nuts, and green vegetables. Green leafy
vegetables are particularly good sources of magnesium.

Food that contain Potassium
Food sources

the richest sources of potassium are fruits and vegetables. A dietary survey in
the U.S. indicated that the average dietary potassium intake is about 2,300
mg/day for adult women and 3,100 mg/day for adult men (30). The potassium
content of some relatively potassium-rich foods is listed in milligrams (mg) in
the table below (36). For more information on the nutrient content of foods,
search the USDA food composition database.

Food Serving Potassium (mg)
Banana 1 medium 422
Potato, baked with skin 1 medium 926
Prune juice 6 fluid ounces 528
Plums, dried (prunes) 1/2 cup 637
Orange juice 6 fluid ounces 372
Orange 1 medium 237
Tomato juice 6 fluid ounces 417
Tomato 1 medium 292
Raisins 1/2 cup 598
Raisin bran cereal 1 cup 362
Artichoke, cooked 1 medium 343
Lima beans, cooked 1/2 cup 485
Acorn squash, cooked 1/2 cup (cubes) 448
Spinach, cooked 1/2 cup 420
Sunflower seeds 1 ounce 241
Almonds 1 ounce 200
Molasses 1 tablespoon 293

List of food that has magnesium
List Of Food Sources Of Magnesium
Artichoke
Barley
Beet greens
Black beans
Brazil nuts
Broad beans
Broccoli
Brown rice
Buckwheat flour
Bulgur
Cowpeas
Halibut
Kidney beans
Lima beans
Milk
Navy beans
Oat bran
Okra
Oysters
Peanuts
Plantain
Pumpkin seeds
Rockfish
Scallop
Soy milk
Soybeans
Spinach
Squash seeds
Sweet potato
Tofu
White beans
Whole grain cereal
Whole wheat bread
Whole-grain cornmeal
Yogurt
Ok..So, here's the deal try 30 minutes before you toetap eat about a 1oz of peanuts
and about half a banana with some water . If you don't wish to do it this way
try a mid morning snack of peanuts and 30 minutes before tapping eat a small
banana with some water. It is still quite filling and, still will get the
minerals in your body that you need!

If you have this problem this should solve it.
Hope this helps

Toetap and the Calf Muscle

Toetap and the calf muscle

A good friend of mine has a repeating calf muscle problem .She most likely has not see someone to fully deal with the problem. So, I am going to give her a few ideas to try and help her.
Since toetap or pointe/tap have the similar calf issues as clogging,pointe. Also share some of the same injury's as high heels or pointe boots. I am going to share a few calf issues.

This one from Answerbag goes like this :
Calf muscle injury's acour in either the gastrocnemius or the soleus muscle.The gastrocnemius is the large ,more obvious calf directly below the knee. The soleus lies directly below it and,is attached to the Achillies tendon. The most calf injury's are caused by overuse durning activity's such as basketball,footballweightlifting,or dancing.
Significance:
Calf muscle injurys can be serious or disabling as they affect a persons ablitity to walk.
Idenification:
Calf muscle injury are categorized in grades 1,2 or 3 accourding to the Sports injury Clinic.
Grade 1
Are mild strains that cause mild pain and tightness
Grade 2
can cause swelling and brusing as well as pain while walking.
Grade 3
Is the most sever ..such as a torn muscle or ruptured tendon.

Effect

A grade 3 rupture can cause a deformity in the calf as the muscle tendon becomes detached from the Achillies heel and ,bunches up at the top of the leg just below the knee. Someone with this type of injury may not be able to contract his muscle.
Surgical repair is often necessary.

Type of Non Surgical Treatment:
Most calf sprains are pulled muscles that can be treated witha combination of rest,ice,heat and anti-inflammatory medicans such as ibuprofen,aspirin ,naproxen,Etodolac, Tramadol,Cyclobezaprine....they even have a few that will get you down the montain the day before yesterday!Yes ! they can be that strong!
You can also, weara heel pad to lesson the preasure on the two major calf muscles.
Considerations:
Once the intial inflammation is under control .Use heat to increase blood flow to the injuried calf muscle. Heat helps relax the muscle and,get them ready for renewed physical activity. Stretching and strenth building exercises can also help.

Here was another Answer :

The plantaris Muscle is a thin muscle that starts at the knee joint. Which attaches to the Plantaris tendon beginning at the calf.
The Plantaris tendon then elongates down the calf to the foot.Connected to the joints in the foot.
Both the Plantaris muscle and,tendon are prone to injury.Because they are connected to two joints .

This answer came from a clogging site :

Calf tightness can be due to several factors:
1) Are you dehydrated?
You need to ensure that you are drinking enough water to allow the exersing muscle to work.
2) A lot of calf related systoms are due to faulty foot mechanics. Which have existed for many years without a problem. But , now are coming to light.

As a result the calf maybe working too hard to compansate for these mechanic and become excessively tight. but, stretches on there own is not the answer .
See a podiatrist for a gait(I.E. walking,running,dance) analysis and they will be able to explain exactly what is wrong. Do not except stretching as the answer it is not!

Answer from my P.T.

People who do clogging ,pointe ,or toetap share the same calf injury's as a person who wears high heels .
To be sure I would have to see her .
I know for a fact that they have very good P.T. 's where she from .

Recommened books to read :
Preventing Dance Injuries
second edition
by Ruth Solomon
John Solomon and
Sandra Cerny Minton

Dance Anotomy and Kinesiology
by Karen S. Clippinger

Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance
By Ana Bracilovic

Common Dance Injury's Part Two

Common Dance injury's part Two

In this post I am going to write about two common dance injury's to the foot . That could be avoided by common sense and good foot care.
The first one is plantar fasclitis.
Plantar Fasclitis: Is by definition "is a overuse injury effecting the sole of the foot.

Most common complaint is the foot hurts when I walk barefoot .Especially first thing in the morning.

What happens is the tough ,fibrous band of tissue (fascia). That connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. Becomes inflamed and painful.

For dancer's
Will often experience an increase in pain after class.
or after a long weight bearing activities.

Plantar Fascia pain can also, be influenced by tightness in the calf,
or the Achilles Tendon ,
or dancing on a hard surface or a non-sprung floor

The Treatment
The earlier this is detected the quicker it is done with.
Rest and Ice are the first treatment for this
Anti-inflamatory medican is helpful
If this condition continues seek a PT's help or
a Athletic training treatment is a good idea
If this becomes a Chronic people responed well to a overnight splint
of course issued by a doctor

The next one I want to talk about is a conidition know as Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia:

Most common complaint is pain over the balls of the feet

What is this condition?
Metatarsalgia is pain and tenderness along the ball of the foot. For dancers, this is commonly caused by unstable joints in the smaller toes.

How did it happen?
Repeated sprains and overstreached ligaments can lead to laxity, or a increased flexibility in theses joints.
What is ligament laxity?
Is defined as simply as loose ligaments. Wikipedia defines it as a condition know as
Ligamentous laxity Which is "in a normal body the ligaments connect bones and allow a normal range of motion. With laxed ligaments the range is increased . A examble would be double jointed elbow or knee
In a Dancer years of overworkand forcing extreme motion in the foot can increse laxity.
Also may cause subluxation of theses joints
Subluxation is definded as a partial dislocation

Treatment:
Rest and Ice since this is a inflamatory condition
Strengthening the muscles that control toe flexion
How?
can be done with towel scrunches.
Place a towel on the ground..then use your toes to grab it while drawing it towards you.
A PT will most likely use a metatarsal pad placed just behind the balls of the feet can help prevent subluxation.
it also, may help relive the pain

Common Dancers Injury's

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Common dancers injurys

Mmmm While I don't blog much . When I do, the subject is very important to me to relate.
In toetap many of the common dance injury's are the same as in tap and in pointe . Now with that said , One of my biggest pet peeves is not eating correctly. With out strong bones toetap or pointe/tap is a dancers worst nightmare. So, before I get into theses few injury's . I must stress get a proper diet, warm up before class and, proper stretching before the main dance class begins.
Ok lets get into it then:
The first I want to talk about is .
Dancer's Fracture:
The most common complaint is "I landed badly and now it hurts to walk"
The most common fracture is along the 5th metatarsal. This is the long bone on the outside of the foot .Since my taps can be used in both tapping en point and flat tapping This is a possible injury that might happen . Since a ballet dancer can get this ,while landing from a jump in a inverted(turned in )foot

If this occurs the dancer may or may not be able to walk. He or she will fell immediate pain and swelling.

Treatment: First lets be real most dancers will say they don't feel pain ...bulls**t. They just ignore it! ok.. The treatment typically consists of ice, elevation,and limiting weight bearing activities. THAT MEANS NO DANCING!!!!
Consulting with a doctor to confirm a fracture and how bad. Is necessary! Sorry, not giving you a choice.
A dancer's fracture WILL require a period of immobilization. While the injury heals. Yes more than a day! I know cry me a river..... Please let the body heal properly before doing any dancing!
Rehabilitation should follow to rebuild the foot and ankle . I prefer with a dance physiotherapist
or a sports and dance rehab.

Next one I want to talk about is

Sesamoiditis:

What is a Sesamoid bone? Good question.. The Sesamoiditis bone are unique in that they are not connected to any other bones in the body. They are about the size of a kernel of corn. They are two bones on the underside of the foot near the big toe. There function is to provide a smooth surface over which the tendons controlling the big toe are located.
If injuried the dancer will feel it while walking bear footed.
Cause: The sesamoids provide a support surface while the dancer is on demi-pointe.
The tendon that runs between the sesamoids can become inflamed,causing sesamoiditis,a form of tendinitis. The area of pain will be under the big toe on the ball of the foot.

Treatment:
The dancer may be required to REST! ....and to take time off from rehearsals .While the pain and inflammation from this decreases.
Consult with a doctor to rule out a Sesamoid fracture
Go to a physical therapist or athletic trainer to ID and correct muscle imbalances.Also, to assist with acute symptom relief.
The use of a J-shaped pad around the area to relive pressure may help
Taping the big toe slightly downward(platarflexed) also,may help.
It may take up to seven months to completely heal from this type of injury .
Surgical Intervention:
To remove theses two bone should only be considered after all conservative avenues have been exhausted.

The next on is a pretty big one so it will be my last one for now .

This one can be gotten by dancers ,also, can be gotten by people who start to dance latter on in life .
Most common complaint is " I have pain with a full releve"
Hallux Rigidus (or Limitus):
This condition is known by pain or restriction of movement at the joint of the big toe.

Cause:
When a person wants to achieve a full demi-pointe . The metatarsal phalangeal joint must be able to make a 90 degree angle.
A person who want to be or a dancer who start late in life may lack this much mobility.
A person or dancer with out metatarsal phalangeal mobility,that forces the foot to go to a full 90 demi-pointe. Will cause the bones (in the joint) to impinge on each other . If this is done repeatedly (over time ) bone spures will develop .Which will lead to further lack of joint mobility,inflammation and eventual degeneration of the joint.

Compensation:
lack of full mobility which includes Sickling. This position sickling in a half demi-pointe decrease the impingement.But, is not an esthetically acceptable line . It also, puts the dancer at risk for a ankle sprain.
The only acceptable and safe compensation for this condition is a half demi-pointe position. The dancer must learn to rise onto the ball of the foot without forcing his or her foot into a full demi-pointe.

Treatment:
During the more acute times , rest and ICE are very helpful way to reduce the pain and inflammation.
Ice massage the injury for five minutes
Stretching the foot....can be done only to improve flexibility
Two condition to this are
one the stretch is done only in your pain free range
two it is done in a non weight bearing position
Take your leg and cross it over the other while your sitting on a chair. Hold your foot with one hand at your heel and the other holding your toe . then bring them up into a demi-pointe position ( your pain free range) Hold for 30 seconds release

This is also meant to have the dancer assess the available pain free range of the joint. So, that the dancer is able to learn to work within that range.
Taping the big toe
So it can not go into full demi-pointe is helpful
Also, taping the big toe so that it is slightly downward (plantarflexed)
for mobilization of the metatarsal phalangeal joint by an experienced physician is also,quite effective.

Definitions: Plantarflexed... simply means one of the bones ( in this case the big toe)is lower than the other four

Personal comment:
Since I was told I was a diabetic. I have seen all my foot problems ..from verifying a good pulse to Bad athlete's foot problems by a very experienced Podiatrist (foot doctor) . In all problems dealing with the foot or ankle. I would gladly tell any dancer to do the same!

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Toe Drumming

Monday, July 6, 2009

Toe Druming

Hello I would like to briefly talk about another form of toetap .Called Toe Drumming ;This Verizon of a long time ago dance form .That was done in Music Halls and Vaudeville. Was done with out taps. All you needed was a drum and,a pair of pointe shoes.With a leather drum head and ,metal shell. The snare drum type should not be more than 6 inch's high by 14 inch's wide. This height was good encase the drum broke .you could recover without real damage to yourself. Also,the drum should be able to hold your weight .While tapping on it . The idea was to tap out a rhythm to music .While on pointe . This form of toe tap or toe drumming as it was called predated toetap and was the most likely the driving force into Toetap itself. As performers searched for newer thing to entertain the masses. The performers name in the picture is Lily Elsie. She was a Music Hall performer in the late 1890's early 1900's. This is the only picture of this dance form to survive.

Shasha TA-11's

Sansha's TA-11"s

Here are two pictures
the top is the Sansha TA-11 a hybrid shoe .Which is a Sansha fusion pointe shoe with a tap shoe sole and taps on it . The bottom is a regular pointe shoe with toetaps or in modern language pointe/taps .I preferr toetap because the tap are on the box's toe.

Hello I would like to pointe out Some differences.

Between Sansha TA-11's And a Toetap shoe.

Or, the modern name Pointe /Tap shoe.

My friend Ben wrote to the boss of Sansha .Trying to get them to make a traditional Toetap shoe . With many tries .They still kinda missed the mark. This shoe(the TA-11) is what I would call a hybrid shoe .Consisting of a Pointe shoe and a Tap shoe sole .While you can tap on pointe with it .The shoe which has no tap on its boxfront.Which will give you a muffled sound . You can do all the tap moves and pinte work .Just you can not combine them .Into a real toetap production.

Toetapper Like to break the classic form of ballet . Most dancers do pointe /tap or toetap with out realizing it . When they get a new shoe they tap the point to soften it or , so I am told .Toetaper love to hear there shoes make nose, as to say freedom .From being so rigid and repetitiveness.

Since I am the last person to make these taps . I do know about them . I make each tap to the wearer so they can do pointe work without impedance from the tap.I become a expert in this field. A toetap shoe has the tap on it's boxfront . You can do all most any tap move or dance step. Just on pointe .I have made the taps so,you can combine pointe work into each performace.The Pointe /Tap or toetap shoe, I make are a true fusion of these two arts .

Pointe shoe quiz. Can anyone tell me what shoe my taps are on ?

Some Toetap Steps

Some toetap steps

When I was talking to the mother of a dancer.

The New tap dancer did not understand all the language of tap .

So , if anyone did not understand Kathleens answer...

it breaksdown like this:She said Hop ,Shuffle, Step ,Toe Grind ,Brush Step.

Lets take them by themselves

Hop: A jump into the air on one foot: With the weight on one foot and the free foot in the air in any direction, flex the knee of the supporting foot; spring into the air and land on the same foot. Shuffle: Are broken down into 6 types Front, back , Side,Double ,leap and Step ;A forward brush followed by a back brush to the front, side or back,executed rapidly in a 16th note rhythm and counted "a 1"

.Front Shuffle:The basic "Shuffle" - with the feet in line with the hips and the toes directly forward, flex the R knee up in front of body -- lower the leg, striking the toe of the foot against the floor in a forward motion. At this point, the L or supporting leg is straight, where in the R ft is straight and extended forward of the body. As you flexthe R knee, strike the toe of the R ft on the floor in a backward motion. The shuffle should be executed slightly forward of supporting foot. The free foot should always remain in front of the supporting leg by flexing the knee forward and up on the back brush.

Side Shuffle:Extend the right foot to the R side, toes are in line and there is no turnout of the R foot.

Back Shuffle:With the weight on the left foot and knee slightly bent, extend the Rft bk with the toe turned out. From this position, execute theshuffle on the side of the big toe.

Double Shuffle:Two Back Shuffles ("8 and a 1").Shuffle, Leap A forward shuffle on the free foot leaping forward to the same foot.Shuffle, Step A shuffle with the free foot, followed by a step on same foot. Once referred to as a "Three".

Toe: This has 9 types they are: Back ,Beat,Click, Dig,Drop,Heel,Stand, Toetap,and ToetipToe Back Same as a Toe Tap: Strike the point of the toe in back of the standing foot and immediately raise the foot from the floor. Does not take weight.Toe Beat Same as a Toe Tap but the toe remains on the floor.

Click Same as Click Toes: With the weight on the heels of bothfeet (toes up) Strike the toes together.

Toe Dig Emphasized step fwd on the toe of the foot with the kneebent; a strut or jazz type movement.

Toe Drop force the toe to the floor Toe-Heel An old term for a Brush R fwd, Dig R toe In reg. tap it's a Brush R fwd, Dig R heel fwd (toe up).

Toe Stand A movement of the old school of tap wherein the dancer is on the points of both feet.

Toe Tap A striking of the point of the toe in any direction andimmediately raising the foot from the floor.

Toe Tip Same as a Toe Tap.

Grind: A circular movement of the hipsBrush: There are 3 types Brush ,Brush Steps and Brush FlatBrush A one-sound kicking movement, in any direction. With the knee in a flexed position, strike the toe of the free foot against the floor, the leg raises in the air until the knee is straight. This applies when the brush is executed in a forward movement. A brush maybe executed in any direction but basically it is forward or backward.

Brush Step A forward Brush Step is the same as a Flap. Whether it isa forward or back brush step, the movement can be executed in any desired rhythm pattern.

Brush Flat A flat brush is executed in exactly the same fashion as a basic brush - the difference is that the entire Toe of the foot strikes the floor in the pendulum movement.

Flap:A forward brush step: With the knee in a flexed position, strike the toe of the free foot against the floor in a forward motion,stepping forward on the same foot; the step takes weight. May be executed in any direction but normally forward.

Step:There are 4 types ,they are Step, Step Chug,Step Brush/Toe Drop,Step PullStep; A placing of the front part of the foot firmly on the floor,taking weight; always executed on the Toe of the foot unless otherwise noted.

Step Chug A stepping forward on the toe or flat of the foot, followed by a Chug which is an exaggerated heel drop. In toetaps case a exaggerated toe drop Step Brush, toe Drop A basic combining of tap movements:A. Measure Count Movement1 1 Step L bk and Brush R bk2 Drop L toe3 Step R bk and Brush L bk4 Drop R toeStep Pull Also known as a Step, Slide: A step and slide back on same foot. The term "Pull" has been used to mean a Back Brush.

Chug:Sometimes referred to as a Buck: A forward movement accentingthe toe drop: With the weight on one foot, the free foot is raised;force the toe of the foot to the floor with exaggeration, thus moving the foot forward approximately 3 inches.All tap definitions where modified for Toetap

Hope this helps

Paul D. Let me know how I did?