ADVICE FOR DANCERS.

AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT FORDHAM UNIVERSITY, LINDA HAMILTON, PH.D., IS ALSO A LECTURER, A PSYCHOLOGIST, A FORMER DANCER WITH NEW YORK CITY BALLET, AND AUTHOR OF ADVICE FOR DANCERS (JOSSEY-BASS).

I was particularly interested in your answer to "Lost Without Dance" in the May 2001 issue of Dance Magazine [page 64]. You see, I used to be a dancer with American Ballet Theatre and have been struggling through my own career transition for the last eight years. What I've longed for during this time is to communicate with other dancers who have already completed a transition. I also wanted to help artists help themselves. So I created a nonprofit company called Artists for Artists, based primarily on the Web, where dancers and other artists can seek advice and support from each other. The site is free and easy to use. All you have to do is log on to www.artistsforartists.org.

Geoffrey Moore

What a great idea! It's easy for former dancers to feel isolated from their peers who take class and perform. Many also worry that they'll never find a career that's as meaningful as performing. While moving on is challenging, it's possible to make a successful transition to another field if you develop skills that spark your interest (just like you did in dance). Your Web site gives dancers access to role models who've been through the transition process. More important, it shows them they're not alone.

Do you know somebody who understands professional dancers' foot problems? I had surgery three months ago, and my doctor says I need a podiatrist and/or physical therapist to help me get back my demi-pointe. My experience with health professionals who are not experts on dance has been fruitless and costly.

Juliana From Santa Barbara 

You're in luck/The International Association of Dance Medicine & Science is putting together a new directory of health-care practitioners around the world called Dance Medicine Resource Guide. It's tentatively scheduled for publication in November and can be ordered through the association's Web site (www.iadms.org). Another option would be to contact your local ballet company for a specialist near you. Most companies rely on a network of practitioners to keep dancers on their toes, from orthopedists and internists to podiatrists, physical therapists, nutritionists, and psychologists.

Help! Ever since I went away to a summer dance program and saw the competition, I've doubted myself to the point that I've become my own worst enemy. I thought going to a competitive school would make me a better dancer. Now, I hate everything I do. What's wrong with me?

No Talent

It sounds like you've fallen into a common trap--comparing yourself to other dancers. Why is this so dangerous? Because every time you compare yourself to someone with a better extension or prettier feet, your self-esteem takes a nosedive even if you're talented. The good news is that you can break this habit with practice. Just keep the focus on you, where you have some control, and remember to be positive. Tearing yourself apart will only bring you down.

My lifelong dream is to become a Radio City Rockette. In fact, I want to audition before I choose a college. The problem is I'm only 17, which is a year below the minimum age requirement listed on their Web site. Can I audition now if I'll be the right age when they start rehearsals?

Tamara From Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania 

Why not ask them? The reality is that you will be the right age for those high kicks when it counts, so maybe the people at Radio City will make an exception. Your burning desire to be a Rockette should also impress them. Still, be prepared to put off the audition for another year, just in case. Time is on your side, even if you attend college.

I'm currently in a school program that provides high school students with the chance to do research with professional help. My topic is eating disorders in the dance world, and I need as much information on the subject as possible. Can you help?

Kim From Sound Beach, New York 

As a matter of fact, I know of a great resource that will save you a lot of legwork. It's called Dance Medicine & Science Bibliography by Ruth and John Solomon (2nd edition, 2001). This resource makes it easy to research any topic that's been published over the last thirty years. For example, when I looked up eating disorders, I found more than 100 references in addition to other related topics, such as body image, diet, and nutrition. To place an order, contact J. Michael Ryan Publishing at 973/786-7777 (ISBN 1-887064-06-0; $39.95) It's also available through www.iadms.org.

Are there any special ballet schools for someone like me who needs to catch up to the advanced level? I've been dancing since kindergarten, but never more than two classes a week. Now, at 17 years old, my feet are still not strong enough to do pointe.

Elizabeth From Derwood, Maryland

It's dangerous to play catch-up in ballet. In fact, dancers who dramatically increase their work schedule often get injured. This is a common problem in summer dance programs, where students often double their weekly class load only to end up with a bad case of tendinitis, or worse. My advice is to ease into a more demanding program until you've gained sufficient strength and flexibility to master the steps. Your teacher will let you know when you're ready to move on to the next level.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: Linda Hamilton, Ph.D., at 2000 Broadway, PH2C, New York, NY 10023 and read her answers exclusively in Dance Magazine.