Glossary · Anatomy & Technique
The often underestimated prerequisite for a deep plié
Dorsiflexion refers to the movement of the foot toward the shin, reducing the angle between the top of the foot and the lower leg – the counterpart to plantarflexion. Sufficient dorsiflexion in the ankle joint is a prerequisite for many everyday and dance-specific movements.
In ballet, sufficient dorsiflexion is particularly important for the depth of demi-plié and grand plié, since the knee must track forward past the toes as it bends. A study of professional ballet dancers found that as technical level increased, plantarflexion – needed for pointe or relevé, for example – tended to increase, while dorsiflexion tended to decrease, suggesting a kind of trade-off between the two directions of movement. If ankle dorsiflexion is insufficient for a deep plié, the missing depth is often compensated for elsewhere: by lifting the heel, rotating the knee inward, or increasing curvature of the lower spine. General sports research has also shown that limited dorsiflexion can be associated with a stiffer landing technique and higher peak loads when landing from a jump.
Because insufficient dorsiflexion is often compensated for through avoidance movements at the knee, heel, or lower spine, CENIT e.V. considers it important to highlight the value of targeted ankle mobility training. Recognizing typical compensation patterns, such as lifting the heel during plié, early on makes it possible to address the underlying mobility restriction rather than placing additional long-term strain on the knee or back.
This entry serves to convey knowledge in a prevention context and is not a substitute for an individual assessment by professionals experienced in dance medicine. For an assessment of ankle mobility, we recommend consulting appropriate professionals – for example through ta.med's referral network or the resources provided by IADMS.
Russell JA, Shave RM, Kruse DW, Koutedakis Y, Wyon MA. Ankle and foot contributions to extreme plantar- and dorsiflexion in female ballet dancers. Foot Ankle Int. 2011;32(2):183–188. doi.org/10.3113/FAI.2011.0183 · Fong CM, Blackburn JT, Norcross MF, McGrath M, Padua DA. Ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion and landing biomechanics. J Athl Train. 2011;46(1):5–10. doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-46.1.5
