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What is “sicled feet” and why does it harm aerial enthusiasts?
What are “sicled feet” and why do they appear?
Let’s start with the basics. “Sicled feet” refers to positioning the foot so that its line curves inward – the heel points outward, while the toes point toward the center. This is easiest to spot in a pointed position: a properly positioned foot creates a beautiful line, while sickling produces a noticeable “arch” or “hook” inward. The main causes are lack of body awareness or weak ankle and foot muscles. For beginners in aerial or dance, this is a very common issue – especially when the focus is on the rest of the body rather than “details” like the feet. Additionally, this foot position is often used to “grip” the silk with the feet, for example, when tying a back cross.
How does sicled feet affect health and technique – what do the sources say?
According to orthopedic specialists from Emory Healthcare (link), sickled feet can lead to serious injuries such as ankle sprains or excessive tendon strain. This is especially risky in aerial art, where the foot is often used to grip apparatus or plays a key role in balance; improper alignment increases the risk of slipping or falling (StudioVeena.com). Caro Norelowitz (link) points out that it’s not just health that’s at risk – sickling breaks the body lines, negatively affecting the aesthetics of movement and depriving figures of lightness and elegance.
Why should you avoid sicled feet in aerial?
Beyond health concerns, sickled feet are simply not aesthetically pleasing. On stage or even during practice, the line of the foot is an important element that builds harmony and the dynamics of any pose. A twisted foot is immediately noticeable and distracts from the beautiful positive tension of the body (DanceMagazine). Moreover, repeatedly practicing with improper foot alignment locks in bad movement patterns and can disrupt your whole posture, making it difficult to correct later in your training (WrapYourHeadAroundSilks.com).
How to deal with it? Tips for aerialists
Luckily, the habit of sickled feet can be unlearned. Many instructors recommend practicing in front of a mirror to regularly check foot alignment (YouTube). Strengthening the feet with simple exercises using elastic bands or focusing on “pointing” the toes also helps. Try floor exercises in a pointed position, and consult experienced coaches who can point out what to watch for while performing aerial moves. Recording yourself during training is also a good habit.
Conclusion
To sum up:
- Sicled feet are not only an aesthetic issue, but also a health concern.
- It can lead to injuries and negatively impact both technique and the look of your movement.
- It’s worth monitoring your feet and regularly practicing proper positioning during training.
- Avoiding sicled feet is an investment in safety, beautiful technique, and long-term health.
Paying attention to details, like the line of your feet, truly makes a difference – even if it may seem minor at first. In aerial arts, every detail counts!
References:
https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/stories/ortho/sickled-feet-avoid-injury-with-better-technique
https://caronorelowitz.co.nz/news/sickled-feet-what-they-are-and-what-dancers-can-do-about-them/
https://youtu.be/QuG2raISPTM?si=zufqnez7hA7ToNVs
https://wrapyourheadaroundsilks.com/
https://dancemagazine.com/winged-sickled-feet/#gsc.tab=0
