Plie Problem

I’ve been doing ballet for 6 years now (I’m about to turn 16) and all my dancing life I’ve had the same problem.

When I plie, even if it’s just a demi in first, and especially if it’s a grande in fourth, my knees hurt when I come up. This can’t be good.

I’ve tried all the obvious things: pressing into the floor, getting my knees over my toes, fixing my posture. I’d really rather not have to go to a physical therapist. Any suggestions?

September 25, 2006 | In Questions |

4 Comments »

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  1. I’m not a professional or anything of the sort, but…—OW! Your poor joints!
    That used to happen to me-
    What I did to try fix it was trying to engage my muscles to do the lowering and lifting for my poor joints. I tried to envision my legs squeezing together while turned out and going down, really squeezing my butt cheeks, and thinking tall when going up, while trying to only use my thigh muscles (going for hamstrings, but also using quads) and my glutious maximus(sp?)! But, of course, I wouldn’t take my own advice if it would save my life, so ask a professional! (such as… your teacher!)

    Comment by Nobody — October 1, 2006 #

  2. As a teacher, i really think you should see a doctor if its been the same for 6yrs! you could be doing serious damage!

    Comment by elisa — October 2, 2006 #

  3. I know this response is a few weeks late coming, but if the first response wasn’t helpful, might I say this. I am not a physician, but am presently in school for it. I was a dancer for many years and know exactly what you are talking about. I urge you to see an orthopedist b/c it sounds as if the problem is in your ligaments or tendons, which at your age can sometimes be too short for the bone growth resulting in the ‘feeling’ of something being wrong with your knee cap or bones. If this is true, the doctor will refer you to a PT who will teach you special stretching to lengthen the ligaments. In my case, I ended up ruining my hips badly (over compensating on them vs my knees to pull me up) from not getting help, and my dancing career as a result. Please don’t let it happen to you. Hope this helps and best of luck.

    Comment by JSR — October 13, 2006 #

  4. I have the same problem although it happened to only lately. I dont know what to do but it really hurts. I thought it was because I have the worst turn out ever and am trying really hard to fix that. Any ideas?

    Comment by haley — February 13, 2007 #

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