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).

Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to perform special parts in a major ballet company. Part of my wish came true six years ago with a position in the company of my dreams. The problem is that my director never developed my talent (even though I had won several big competitions). Instead, I'm still stuck doing corps parts night after night with no end in sight. Dancing is no fun and I'm even starting to hate it! Why?

Anonymous

Few directors realize that talented dancers pay an emotional price when they lack opportunities to excel. In fact, research shows a dramatic increase in psychological distress in people who perform demanding jobs that fail to make the most of their skills ("Counseling and Psychotherapy of Work Dysfunctions" by Rodney L. Lowman. American Psychological Association, 1993). Dancers are especially vulnerable to these stresses, because almost all are overachievers who set their sights on being the best.

So what do you do when no one wants to give you a break? My advice is to tell your colleagues that you're interested in doing gigs during the layoff. Many corps dancers perform wonderful roles at universities, such as the Don Quixote pas de deux. Besides improving your self-esteem, you'll gain invaluable experience by taking on these extra demands. The next step is to audition for a soloist position in another company.

My 7-year-old daughter has been suffering from nightmares and intense anxiety for months after seeing the September terrorist attacks on television. At first, my husband and I believed that she'd get over it by going back to school and taking her favorite dance classes with her friends. Now we think there may be a problem. Do we need to do something more?

Worried Mother in Westchester, New York 

Many children became overwhelmed after repeatedly watching TV images of the World Trade Center crashing down. Seeing the horrified reactions in their parents' eyes was frightening. However, it was also difficult for young children to make sense of what they saw on television, which created a high level of fear and confusion. The typical time frame for recovery from all kinds of trauma ranges from two days to six weeks,, as the person processes the event and slowly returns to a normal routine. Still, a small number of children, as well as adults, develop serious symptoms of anxiety in response to a terrifying event, causing them to reexperience it through constant nightmares and/or flashbacks. At this point, your daughter would benefit from a professional evaluation and, possibly, individual and family therapy. Your state psychological association can refer you to an expert in your area.

My best friend is a musician who wrestles with really bad stage fright. Recently, he started to use beta-blockers and noticed an immediate improvement. Is this something dancers can use?

Just Wondering

Under extreme stress, the body revs you up to either flee or attack a dangerous enemy. This response was useful in the old days when you were facing a saber-toothed tiger. Today, the same response can ruin a musical or dance performance. In addition to losing your focus, stage fright may cause heart palpitations, nausea, muscle tension, tremors, and loss of coordination. Beta-blockers, which are FDA approved for heart problems and hypertension, improve performance by reducing the physiological signs of stress. However, these medications do not work for dancers because they can cause fatigue and loss of muscle power. If your nerves are getting the best of you, check out the Dance Medicine Resource Guide ($34.95 plus $4.95 shipping)for a specialist near you (973/786-7777 or iadms.org).

I read an article that you wrote a few years ago about smoking in Dance Magazine [see "The Ins and Outs of Smoking," July 1997, page 32]. At the time, I remember being inspired to quit after reading your suggestions, along with your interview of Peter Martins, who said that years of smoking had caused his feet to go numb. I never had this experience, thanks to both of you.

Alan From San Francisco, California 

It's always nice to get feedback from our readers. The point of the article was that not only is smoking highly addictive, it also reduces the circulation in your hands and feet, making you more prone to injuries. I'm so glad you stopped before you began to experience problems.

My doctor suggested that I get a bone density screening because I haven't menstruated for several years. My mother thinks it's a good idea, but I'm not sure. I don't feel sick and I always make a point of eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. How will this help me?

Concerned Dance Student

Bone mineral density screenings are a great way to catch dancers who are about to develop stress fractures due to menstrual problems and low calcium intake. In fact, New York City Ballet now conducts annual screenings in its Wellness Program to prevent injuries that result from low bone density. Treatment varies, depending on the individual, ranging from hormone replacement therapy to calcium supplements with vitamin D. The test won't hurt you, and it could keep you on your toes.

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