In brief Only in the last five years has medical care for ballet injuries received more than perfunctory professional interest, although ballet companies in other countries have long had regular medical attention. Most ballet injuries are to the foot, ankle, knee, thigh, hip, spine, and related muscles. Dance masters emphasize that injuries occur because of faulty technique and that any cure is only temporary unless the fault is corrected. Injured dancers are impatient to return to classes or performance because of intense competition and a short career span. Permitting the dancer to do as many of the ballet exercises as possible without further injury will alleviate anxiety and promote cooperation from the dancer.