Nacheska’s Weblog

As an aging dancer over 50, I have noticed in the last year physiological traits such as joint stiffness and foot sensitivity to abrupt pressure. (Metatarsal pain not exactly Metatarsalgia)  I am certain these are common to other aging dancers but uncertain whether this might be common to all aging folks of other occupations.  I still dance at least 5 to 12 times (hours) weekly teaching classes or just putting together choreography but I do not noticed increase or decrease in these new aches and pains if I move more or less (though I rarely move less).  After exploring articles on the internet, I found very few, if any about the “aging” dancer and how we might age differently than other folks.   Should I expect more joint pain or less…am I susceptible to more arthritis or less?  What about hips…are they more likely to break because of mileage or less likely because of good nutrition and exercise?  This blog is a call to other dancers of any venue who might have insight into how a dancer ages differently because of the stresses we subject our body to…I have done extensive (in order of the most to least) Modern, Belly Dance, Ballet, Gymnastics, Hula, Tap, Flamenco, Ballroom…what about you?  Is this related to folks who have parents with arthritis…do dancers get arthritis more or less and what factors do genetics play…Can you share your experience and articles with me?