Are high arches good for dancers?
Having a high arch is beneficial for a dancer because it makes it possible to get to a high demi-pointe in soft ballet shoes, and over the box if she is dancing en pointe. Some dancers refer to perfect ballet feet as “banana feet,” as the curved arch and instep somewhat resemble the shape of a banana.
Do dancers have arched feet?
High arches are every dancer’s dream. They look gorgeous in pointe shoes, and create a streamline look. Unfortunately, even this type of arch can cause problems. Because the arch and instep are so equally high, the dancer has a tendency to rely on their inherent flexibility which results in weak ankles.

Why do dancers arch their feet?
An arched foot is central to the aesthetics of ballet – it completes the line of the leg whether extended or carrying the body en pointe. For those of us with less than perfect feet it’s hard not be jealous of those born with those gorgeous high-arched feet that seem to fall effortlessly into the perfect shape.
What does high arch feet mean?
What Are High Arches? A high arch, also called cavus foot, is when the arch of your foot is raised more than normal. It’s the opposite of flat feet. The arch is located on the bottom of your foot and runs from the toes all the way to your heel.
Is it better to have high or low arches?
Most people think flat feet are bad and high arches are desirable. However, in reality, whether you have flat feet or high arches doesn’t matter. What matters is how well you can connect to and truly use your feet.

Are high arches good?
High arch: Having high arches means that less of your foot actually touches the ground when walking or running, providing less shock absorption when the foot strikes the ground. Therefore, people with high arches can be more prone to overuse injuries when playing sports or exercising.
How do you get high arches?
Stand with your feet directly underneath your hips. Making sure to keep our toes in contact with the floor the entire time, roll your weight to the outer edges of your feet as you lift your arches up as far as you can. Then release your feet back down. You’ll work the muscles that help to lift and supinate your arches.
Can dancers have flat feet?
Some dancers (and people in general) do have anatomically ‘flat feet’. This is usually genetically based, and often there are visible racial trends.
Are high arched feet good?
How do you tell if you have a high arch?
A simple way to tell if you have high arches is to wet your feet and stand on a safe surface, such as concrete or a piece of paper. After you move your feet, look at the imprint left behind. People with high arches will only see an imprint of their heel and the front of their foot with nothing in between.
Is a high foot arch good?
Why do ballet dancers have pointed feet?
A beautifully pointed arched foot is also the quintessential hallmark of an accomplished ballet dancer. Pointed feet don’t just look better, they also help you dance better. If your foot isn’t reaching, your leg will have no energy, which makes it a lot harder to hold your leg up. Pointing your feet also helps you jump higher.
Why do ballet shoes have a high arch?
Having a high arch is beneficial for a dancer because it makes it possible to get to a high demi-pointe in soft ballet shoes, and over the box if she is dancing en pointe. Some dancers refer to perfect ballet feet as “banana feet,” as the curved arch and instep somewhat resemble the shape of a banana.
What does it mean to have high arches in feet?
Table of Contents. High arches (pes cavus) are the excessive, fixed flexion of the arch of the foot. While weight-bearing stress is typically distributed across the entire foot in people with normal arches, those with high arches carry their weight mainly on the heels and balls of the feet.
What is the ideal ballet foot shape?
The ideal ballet foot has a high arch and a high instep. Having a high arch is beneficial for a dancer because it makes it possible to get to a high demi-pointe in soft ballet shoes, and over the box if she is dancing en pointe.