Advice for dancers.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH BUNIONS? I DON'T CARE THAT MY BIG TOE IS UNSIGHTLY AND HUGE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT APPEARS TO HAVE COME OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND PERHAPS HAS DISLOCATED. I CAN NO LONGER RELEVE, MUCH LESS WALK WITHOUT EXCRUCIATING PAIN. IS THERE ANY TREATMENT OUTSIDE OF SURGERY TO HELP THIS WRETCHED SITUATION? I WAS ALSO WONDERING IF YOU COULD RECOMMEND ANY DOCTORS HERE IN DALLAS.--CHLOE CHRISTIANSEN

First, let me reassure you that a dislocated great toe due to a bunion is highly unusual, according to dance medicine specialists. However, you're smart to avoid bunion surgery until you're ready to retire, since it can cause a stiff joint that will limit your ability to releve forever--even if you're pain free. At the same time, it's extremely important for all dancers with bunions to seek early treatment to relieve pressure and halt the progression of the deformity. While dancing doesn't appear to cause bunions, wearing tight pointe shoes may play a role if you've inherited a foot type that's predisposed to this problem. Flat feet, low arches, and loose ligaments also contribute to the formation of bunions. What can you do? Find an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist in your area who can evaluate the type and severity of your bunion. A good resource is the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (800.235.4855; www.aofas.org). In general, nonsurgical treatment options range from padding and taping (to keep the foot in a normal position) to anti-inflammatory medications and ultrasound (to reduce pain and inflammation). You may also need to order wider toe shoes with ample room for a bunion pad to relieve pressure.

HERE'S MY BIG QUESTION: SHOULD I GIVE UP BASKETBALL AND PUT MY HEART AND SOUL INTO DANCE? NOW THAT MY DANCE TEACHER HAS PUT ME IN ADVANCED CLASSES, I FIND THAT BASKETBALL IS GETTING IN THE WAY. WHILE I DON'T LIKE IT AS MUCH AS DANCE, I'M AFRAID THAT I WILL REGRET GIVING IT UP. I'M ALSO AFRAID THAT I'M NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO DANCE PROFESSIONALLY. I'M 14 YEARS OLD AND HAVE BEEN DANCING FOR ONLY THREE YEARS, SO I'M FAR BEHIND THE OTHER GIRLS.--DANCE DREAMER

Many young dancers wonder if they have what it takes to be a professional dancer. No one can predict the future; yet I doubt that your teacher would have promoted you to the advanced level if you lacked talent.

The next step is to develop the necessary strength and stamina to perform at a higher level without rushing the process. Dancers who try to play catch-up by pushing their bodies too hard often develop injuries. You also risk developing low self-esteem if you compare yourself to other dancers who've been training longer. Instead, keep the focus on you. As for playing basketball, there's only so much time in the day. My advice is to follow your heart. If it doesn't lie in intramural sports, then you risk nothing by switching over to dance, as long as you keep your options open. By this I mean continuing your education and keeping an eye on other interests that can enrich your life and offer clues to possible career choices after dance.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TALK ON STRESS MANAGEMENT AT THE SCHOOL OF AMERICAN BALLET'S SUMMER PROGRAM. MY DAUGHTER RARELY TELLS ME ABOUT THE PRESSURES SHE FEELS AS A DANCER, ALTHOUGH I FREQUENTLY SENSE THAT SHE'S DEPRESSED WHEN SHE DOESN'T PERFORM WELL. I'VE TRIED, AS A MOTHER, TO BOOST HER MORALE, WITH LITTLE SUCCESS. YOUR SUGGESTIONS SOMEHOW GOT THROUGH TO HER, PERHAPS BECAUSE YOU WERE A DANCER TOO. NOW, SHE MAKES A LIST AT THE END OF THE DAY OF EVERYTHING SHE DID RIGHT AND HAS STOPPED USING THE MIRROR TO TEAR HERSELF APART. THE CHANGE IN HER ATTITUDE IS LIKE NIGHT AND DAY.--GRATEFUL BALLET MOTHER

It's always nice to get positive feedback, especially if I'm able to make even one dancer's life a bit easier. My goal, of course, is to help all dancers reach their potential without sacrificing their health or careers.

In the past, discussing topics in dance other than technique was taboo. You were expected to ignore occupational stress by rising above physical pain and disregarding personal problems. As a group, I find that dancers still pride themselves on being stoic. Yet many of them are starting to realize that it's possible to find solutions for many problems, such as mental stress and injuries, that sabotage their goals.

Dance schools and companies are making increasing efforts to help these performers by providing educational seminars and services in a range of areas, from healthy nutrition and weight management to techniques aimed at mental and physical stress. A great example is the New York City Ballet's Wellness Program, which has significantly reduced the rate of dance injuries by dealing with the mind, body, and nutrition.

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

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