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9- Emma’s Lyrical

Rehearsal log 9~

Emma’s Lyrical

Session Summary:

This rehearsal focused primarily on developing character through dynamics and breath. Halfway through, we watched a video of our performance to self-correct any visible mistakes or irregularities, which proved to be a helpful time-saving tool during the cleaning process. Emma made some adjustments to the timing of the final cannon, making it more manageable and allowing the ending to flow better. She also changed the direction of our exits to add a sense of spontaneity to the piece.

Personal Observation:

I struggled during this session with executing turns, spins, and sliding motions, as the floor felt rough on my bare feet and aggravated my blisters. Emma advised me and others dealing with the same issue to wear socks to prevent further damage to the soles of our feet. This experience made me realise that I need to incorporate better foot care into my weekly routine to avoid these issues in the future.

Research:

As a dancer, I’ve come to understand that foot care is not only crucial for comfort but also for performance and injury prevention. Our feet endure immense stress during rehearsals and performances, especially in styles like ballet, which involve pointe work and jumps. Research indicates that over 50% of dance injuries occur in the foot and ankle, underscoring the importance of foot health through strength, control, and proper technique (Allegro Performance & Wellness, 2022). While dancers’ feet may not conform to conventional beauty standards, the calluses and tougher skin we develop serve a functional purpose. These hardened areas protect us, reducing the risk of blisters and skin tears, which are not only painful but can also be debilitating. Additionally, keeping toenails short and straight is essential for preventing ingrown nails, a common issue among dancers (Family Foot Center, 2021). Embracing the reality that our feet may not always look "perfect" is part of the physical conditioning that dance demands. However, proper care is equally important for moisturising the skin to keep it hydrated but not too soft, checking for signs of overuse, and allowing the feet to build the necessary resilience to stay strong and performance-ready.

Daily Foot Care Techniques:

  • Warm Water Soak (10–15 min): Use Epsom salts to reduce inflammation and soothe tired feet.

  • Massage & Rolling: Use a tennis ball, massage ball, or frozen water bottle to release tightness in the arches and heels.

  • Callus Maintenance: Gently file down calluses with a pumice stone after a bath (avoid over-filing).

  • Moisturise: Apply a thick, non-greasy foot cream (such as Flexitol or Eucerin) at night to keep the skin hydrated but still tough.

  • Toe Separators: Use silicone toe spacers for 10–20 minutes to relieve toe compression from tight footwear or pointe shoes.

Additional Tips:

  • Blister Prevention: Use lamb’s wool, gel toe pads, or blister plasters in known hotspot areas.

  • Toenail Care: Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails; don’t cut them too short.

  • Footwear Check: Ensure rehearsal and casual shoes provide proper arch support and cushioning.

  • Foot Hygiene: Change socks regularly, keep shoes dry, and disinfect shoes if necessary.

What can I do to progress for next lesson:

  • Follow the foot care plan and invest in surgical spirit.

  • Incorporate more breath work into my performance to help with unity and storytelling.


    References: 

    - Allegro Performance + Wellness—North Vancouver, BC. (2019). Allegro Performance + Wellness—North Vancouver, BC. [online] Available at: https://www.allegroperformance.com/dance-performance-blog/foot-care-for-dancers?

    -Petty, J. (2020). Family Foot & Ankle Centers. [online] Family Foot & Ankle Centers. Available at: https://www.familyfootcenters.com/dancers-feet



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