r/BALLET • u/Historical-Cancel-96 • 20h ago

Regaining balance after injury and pregnancy

So it’s been a couple years since I’ve taken a ballet class. I had been in 2 pre-professional companies previously, then had a gnarly ankle injury. And then another one.

I finally got brave enough to go back to class after a couple years of physical therapy and strengthening. It’s an adult beginner, and (not to sound like a total ass) but it’s much below the skill level I’m used to.

That said, I’m having a pickle of a time adjusting to the (significant) extra weight I have on me after having a baby. I can’t develope my leg high anymore. Like, it gets shaky at 90°. I can’t even find my balance in center (though part of me wonders if my old ballet shoes should be 86’ed because after a long period of physio for my ankles, they don’t feel quite right)

Do you have any advice to adjusting finding your balance after having such huge changes in your body?

TL;DR: I was pre pro but am kind of starting over after injury and pregnancy. How do I go about re-discovering my center of balance?

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u/DukeSilverPlaysHere 18h ago

My balance always kinda sucked ass but I’m def having a hard time. I’ve been back at the gym since 2 months PP, back at ballet since 3, but my dang balance feels shot. I also had to try 3 pairs of shoes before I found some that felt good. I definitely feel like I have some foot issues contributing to my lack of balance that I probably need to get checked out.

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u/Historical-Cancel-96 18h ago

No same!!! We’ve goofed our ribs, abdominal muscles, and pelvic floor, so it’s to be expected but I’m so frustrated. Glad I’m not the only one having shoe issues, I only realized that when I was able to do some balancing things without shoes and how they just kind of felt wrong. I’m sorry you’re going through this too but you’re not alone!

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u/DukeSilverPlaysHere 18h ago

lol yup. I just turned a year postpartum and am in the process of weaning so I do think that’ll help me get a little more “ooomph” back once I’m done with that process. It’s always nice to not be alone but the issue is quite frustrating since it does cost money and time to go find someone who won’t just slap some steroid shots on you and call it a day. I hope you’re able to get your balance back soon!

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u/Historical-Cancel-96 18h ago

Thanks buddy, best of luck to you too! It’s so crazy the ways our bodies change permanently during childbirth. Mad respect to those professionals who have kids. Also loving your username, duke silver is one talented man 😉

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u/IntelligentDot47 2h ago

Pregnancy hormones can also relax the ligaments in your feet and change your shoe size, sometimes permanently. If you're wearing pre-pregnancy ballet shoes, you should definitely look into a re-fit!

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u/gimmealltheroses 18h ago

Core work helps! And I think you’ll find it again as you take more and more classes. 

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u/Historical-Cancel-96 18h ago

You’re right. Pregnancy messes your ribs, abs, and pelvic floor up. I’ll just have to up my core work. I used to have such a strong core and now I feel like one of those wiggly inflatable men at a car wash

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u/inlaops 46m ago

I’d recommend starting with modalities like Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis, Pilates, Floor Barre, or Yoga to gently ease your body back into core strength and overall body awareness. Pregnancy brings a lot of changes, and these practices can help you reconnect with your “new” body, adapt to the shifts, and gradually restrengthen areas that may have been weakened.