UKC

Climbing is a sport of constant challenges and exhilarating heights, but it's also a sport that can take its toll on your feet. Whether cramming into your performance climbing shoes in order to tackle sharp edges or trusting a foot jam that feels like it may break bones, foot health is of paramount importance for climbers.

The good news is that there's a source of wisdom when it comes to maintaining and improving the health of your feet: ballet. You may have already heard how ballet techniques can better your climbing, but the art of dance that has been perfecting footwork for centuries also has valuable techniques and exercises to offer climbers seeking better foot health.

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Good, very interesting. Can I suggest an article on foot recovery, how to look after your feet, how to deal with foot funk, toxic shoes, fungal nail infections etc.

Much less glamorous than ballet but perhaps more relevant.

https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/skills/hand_and_foot_care-2089

I wonder if any of the Leeds Uni Wall on UKC remember the visit of some touring ballet dancers in the '70s? The apocryphal story was that they basically sent everything, however it would be good to hear a first hand view

Great story, was it in 'Games Climbers Play'?

One of the guys at the wall trained as a dancer, damn he's strong. And flexible. He's got a bit distracted by another sport now but good to watch.

I thought it was a story in one of Dennis Gray's books or articles, but maybe reprinted somewhere.

In the context of ballet dancers being ridiculously good climbers I believe it's also traditional to mention Rachel Farmer.  (Whose life was tragically cut short - good grief - almost 31 years ago.)

I can distinctly recall Dennis Gray telling me about a male ballet dancer at Leeds Wall. It could have been that group. Balance, flexibility & strength all climbing assets.

I heard of it too and I am sure it was reported in an old copy of Crags or On the Edge. 

My copy of "Face Dancing" provides infrequent but deep inspiration. I wish I could get a few copies more.

I thought it was 1 April

I once went to see a ballet. It isn't really my thing, but I was amazed at the grace and physicality of it and I remember thinking at the time that any ballet dancer could be a great climber. I would guess that the only physical attribute a ballet dancer might need to develop is finger strength, but with their superb balance, agility and core strength they might not even need as much as most of the rest of us

This was (I think.....):   youtube.com/watch?v=0KfE2ONpO20&

Brilliant in that it is almost believable