Problem with Achilles tendons?

[selene1123]

I am a beginning belly dancer who is taking lessons in tribal dance. The instructor has mentioned that most of the moves are meant to be done with flat feet (i.e, not on toes). I have a hereditary condition in which my Achilles tendons are shortened, so I constantly walk on my toes and it is pretty painful for me to do anything on flat feet. Is this going to be a major problem in my dancing - especially with posture and technique?

Thanks!
selene1123

 

[Shanazel]

Welcome to the forum, Selene! How about you run over to Meet and Greet and let us all be properly introduced? It is always fun to learn about our new members.

If it is painful for you to walk on flat feet, my guess is that it will be painful to dance that way as well. The style I do, old-style American Oriental, incorporates a lot of dancing on the balls of the feet, but I cannot imagine not being able to dance flat-footed as well. My sympathy to you.

Can your doctor or PT give you some exercises to stretch your Achilles tendons, or can it simply not be helped?

 

[bellybaby]

that sucks!

I have a similar problem, i cant even walk about the house flat footed! as a teacher i always try to encourage my students and support their individual needs. If you were my student i would advise you to pick up a pair of dance shoes (ballroom types are ideal and come in a variety of shades ranging from silver and gold to black- ideal for tribal) Because these shoes are meant for dancing they offer a lot of foot support and the small heel will keep you off the ground and not balancing on your toes-which will also put pressure on your heels.
I understand its not common to dance tribal in shoes, but its better to dance well in shoes that to dance rubbish without as you are in pain.
Have a think about it, it worked for me.
Bellybaby x

 

[Kharis]

I am a beginning belly dancer who is taking lessons in tribal dance. The instructor has mentioned that most of the moves are meant to be done with flat feet (i.e, not on toes). I have a hereditary condition in which my Achilles tendons are shortened, so I constantly walk on my toes and it is pretty painful for me to do anything on flat feet. Is this going to be a major problem in my dancing - especially with posture and technique?

Thanks!
selene1123

If I were your teacher, I would advise you to consult your GP first before embarking on this dance. I know someone who snapped her achilles tendon because of trying to do a move flat footed, when she was a) overweight, and b) had shortened tendons. If any kind of physio has not helped lengthen your tendons, then you need to seriously reconsider how you are going to do this dance. Heels can be worn, of course, but it does not suit all styles, and will limit you and has it's own set of dangers. If a very low heel helps, then that's a start, but again, I would seriously consult either your GP or a specialist in this field.