Advice for dancers: former New York City Ballet dancer Linda Hamilton, Ph.D., is a lecturer, a psychologist in private practice, and the author of Advice for Dancers (Jossey-Bass). She has been offering advice to Dance Magazine readers since 1992.

I think I'm going through an identity crisis. For most of my life, all I wanted to be was a ballet dancer--pink tutus, tiaras, the whole works. Then, I discovered modern dance. Graham, in particular, feels so right for my body. I'm confused. Most of my dance training has been in ballet. Is it weird to change course after training in one technique for eight years? Am I being foolish to switch midstream?

Teenager at a Crossroads Chicago, IL

No, no, no! Even dancers (who are supposed to be true blue) can change their minds. The hard part is that we often don't get reinforcement for questioning our choices. How many times have you been asked: "What kind of dancer do you want to be? Why don't you try a different technique?" It's healthy to explore and experiment. Never forget that asking questions is a sign of intelligence. While most modern dancers have a foundation in ballet, they chose not to pursue it professionally. Like you, they switched gears. Meanwhile, world-renowned ballet dancers, like Mikhail Baryshnikov, have successfully branched out to explore a variety of dance techniques, including modern. Corny as it sounds, the key to any meaningful career (including dance) is to grow by challenging yourself. Yes, this approach involves a moderate amount of risk. Still, the critical word here is "moderate." You should never put all of your eggs in one basket, nor play it so safe that you do nothing. Translation: Keep up the ballet classes, as you explore your new love. That way, you can't lose.

Is it possible to create a better arch? I never got to sculpt my body because I started ballet late. Now I'm 16, I've been studying three years, and I want better feet. Do you think it can still happen?

Taylor Chapman-Sutton

Portland, OR

I bet if I were to do a survey, most dancers would put "better feet" at the top of their wish list, even ones who get asked to model ballet shoes. Dancers tend to forget that talent is what matters most. Still, I understand why you want a more pronounced arch. While you're right that early training can help, this option lasts only while your feet are growing. Then you need to switch strategies. Podiatrist Tom Novella, MD, says that physical therapy can increase front ankle mobility, giving you a slightly better pointe. The catch is that it may take two years to achieve, and it can create an unstable ankle if you push too hard. The same applies to "toe stretchers," which are not an option for dancers with loose ankle ligaments that predispose them to sprains. My advice: Avoid possible injury by resorting to illusion. Today, there are pads that you can attach to the top of your feet to create the appearance of a better arch. No kidding! To find out more, log on to www.fancyfoot.com. Whatever you decide to do about improving your arch, please see an orthopedic foot specialist first. The best course of action differs for each dancer.

I love reading your column because there's always so much great information about how to be a healthier dancer. I've found it a challenge to eat right after I became a vegetarian. I took your advice and saw a nutritionist who helped me get more protein in my diet. every day I try to improve myself and my technical ability. The problem is I'm still not happy. Should I care?

Kay

Charlotte, NC

Of course you should! Being a dancer is more than following orders. It means being true to yourself as a person and as a performer. Every high achiever wants to be their best. The key is to discover your special niche. While it's difficult to assess your particular needs, I am happy that you sought nutritional counseling. Your health is crucial, and that can't wait. You need to care about being strong as much as you care about improving your technique. The next step is to find out why you remain unhappy. Sometimes, it has more to do with seeing the glass half empty versus half full. When in doubt, go to a counselor. If you want to find someone who has experience working with dancers and athletes, e-mail the board of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science ([e-mail]), who will try to locate a qualified person in your area. Your current unhappiness could be related to your diet, which may need a bit more tweaking. Or it could stem from a psychological situation that may take time to sort out.