This section of Damhsóir features articles written for us by Hullachan designer Craig Coussins on protecting your feet, toes, arches and heels.

Craig Coussins started training as a dancer in his mother’s school in the West of Scotland well over 50 years ago. He started fitting and designing shoes made by the UK’s oldest dance shoemakers, ‘Gamba’ in London 30 years ago. The man that trained him to be a fitter, John Brenna, made the shoes for Anna Pavlova who lived near the Gamba factory in London. Craig went on to become the senior fitter and designer for Gamba responsible for the correct fitting of over 167 professional Ballet companies worldwide. During this time, he wrote what was to become the internationally accepted fitting manual for pointe and ballet shoes. Gamba asked Craig to bring the Fitting Manual in 2003 . Craig has designed many award winning sports and dance shoes over the past 20 years. He retired in 1995 to develop shoes closer to his Celtic roots, particularly the Hullachan brand of Irish and Highland dance shoes. A passionate fan of Irish Dance, and one of the worlds leading authorities in the prevention of injury in dance and for Irish Dancing, he has authored articles covering some of these important areas.

PLEASE NOTE: We are not doctors or medical professionals. If you have an injury that is bothering you, please see a sports medicine or orthopedic specialist!

The following articles are available here on Damhsóir:

• Taking care of the Irish Dancer's feet
• Common Injuries and Discomforts
• On your Toes
• The Arch
• The Heel
• The Achilles Tendon
• The Knee
  

Advice given here is just that -- advice. If you are suffering from an Irish dance injury, please see your doctor for treatment.

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