Director in foot education program

The Australian Podiatry Association (Vic) and Director Australian Ballet School, Marilyn Rowe, recently joined forces and became involved in a program to educate the community, in particular the younger generations on the importance of proper foot care and footwear.

The program, entitled “Feet of Fame” was initially part of the Association’s 2001 Foot Health Week campaign and was on view at the Scienceworks Museum, Spotswood from mid-September to November. Subsequently the display will be expanded into two exhibits “Feet of Fame – Sporting” and “Feet of Fame – Community”, each section to have its own permanent site.

“Correct footwear and foot care are most important, particularly in the workplace, and even more specifically in the ballet profession. Many people are unaware that the average person takes some 7000 steps, or walks approximately 8 kms a day,” Ms Rowe said. “Add to this the countless steps taken during training, rehearsals and onstage appearances in our profession and it is obvious that any person entering the profession needs to be fully aware of  proper foot care”.

“The Feet of Fame exhibit displayed foot casts of the feet of well-known identities from sporting, entertainment and public life fields. The exhibit is designed to illustrate that all feet are different, that our own two feet will never be exactly the same, and no matter what we do in life we should care for our feet,” Podiatry Association President, Matt Dilnot said.

Whilst having her feet moulded for the program, Ms Rowe discussed with podiatrist Kathie Harding the problems that face any person entering the ballet profession. “Ballet dancers must appear to be gliding across the stage with their feet supported in different areas depending upon the dance movement being executed. Because of this and the multitude of movements now in our routines many dancers use several different pairs of ballet shoes during a single performance.”

“A lot may be learned from the way professional ballet dancers care for their feet,” she said. “In addition, foot care is a vital part of our teaching, for example it is of paramount importance that young children wait until their foot bones are fully developed before attempting pointe. Hence parents should not push their children too fast as disregard for these developmental issues could mean serious problems later in life.”

Foot problems occur in the majority of professions with a recent survey showing that on average foot and toe injuries result in a seven-week absence from work with a cost per injury of $5000.

“The Victorian Podiatry Association appreciates Ms Rowe being involved in the Feet of Fame project. Leading by example, she has created, along with other participants, considerable awareness of the importance of proper foot care and footwear,” Association President Matt Dilnot said.