The Point

News Note

By Editorial Staff

Originally published in Massage & Bodywork magazine, June/July 2000.

Rest between performances and not going “on pointe” at such early ages may help ballerinas lengthen their careers and avoid problematic arthritic ankles, according to a study released at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. The University of Toronto study detailed the use of magnetic resonance imaging on 11 female dancers at the National Ballet of Canada. Researchers found all 11 had some degree of arthritis in their ankles. According to a Reuters report, researcher David Salonen said these problems might be prevented or alleviated if these young dancers waited past the customary age of 11 or 12 to go on pointe and if professionals rested more between performances.