I. BALLET AND PHYSIQUE

Chapter 11. Questionnaire

The following questionnaire is suggested for all candi­dates for audition as an addition to the normal medical certificate!

1. Are the proportions of the body, general build and flexibility satisfactory ?

2.   Has there been any previous illness affecting the general health ?

3. Is there any residual trouble in any joint, especially the knee due to former illness or injury?

4.   Is the spine straight? If not, is the asymmetry due to

1. Unequal length of the legs?
2. Any rotation of the pelvis?
3. Lateral curvature?
   1. Structural?*
   2. Postural?

5. Is there any trace, however small, of anything unusual in the lumbar spine, e.g. convexity instead of concavity when the child is standing upright?

6.   Are the legs straight? If not

1. Is there a marked degree of knock knee, i.e. more than 2i-in. between  the  heels when viewed from  behind, knees touching and feet pointing forward ?
2. Bow-leg when viewed from the front, heels and toes touching ?
3. Do the knees curve backward very markedly?*

7.  Is the ankle joint mobile, i.e. foot making a right angle with the  leg when turned up and smooth line with the leg when pointed  down?

8. Does the whole length of the inner border of the foot rest on the ground in standing with heels and toes about 3-in. apart, feet pointing forward? Is there no sign of an arch on half pointe or degage positions?*

9. Is there a definite and marked degree of  hallus valgus?*

An orthopaedic surgeon's opinion may be needed to verify some of these points. Those marked * are definitely adverse signs, that marked † is at present unproven.

For children coming from a long distance, a preliminary set of photographs might save an expensive and disappointing journey. A good deal could be learned of the general make-up, the straight-ness or otherwise of the legs, and the type of foot from:

1. Front view   in close fitting plain  bathing dress,  bare  feet,  standing  with   heels   together   toes  very  slightly  turned out.
2. As (a), heels and toes touching.
3. As (a), one foot dégagé in 2nd position.
4. Back view, heels about 3-in. apart, feet looking straight  forward.