Practice on a shock absorbing surface. This can help cut down on the shock and pressure your legs and feet endure while you're jumping, leaping and dancing. Practicing ballet on a hard surface can lead to shin splints and other injuries.
Strengthen your leg and foot muscles with special exercises and stretches. For ballet dancers, the ankle, in particular, needs to be strong and flexible. Look for exercises that improve your balance and strength such as heel raises and standing on one foot.
Tape your foot to provide additional support. By using tape or other supportive devices, you can help provide your legs and feet with greater stability. This can help prevent repetitive use injuries as well as sprains and other muscle strains.
Wear properly fitting ballet shoes. Choosing shoes that are too tight or too large can be a recipe for falls, slips and other injuries. Given the beating that your legs take, make sure that you invest in a good pair of ballet shoes.
Stay in good shape. Injuries are more likely to happen when you're out of shape or out of practice. Although you don't want to overdue it, staying strong and fit will help keep you dancing instead of watching from the audience.
Warm up before you begin intense practices or performances. As with other sports and activities, warming up can help prevent muscle injuries and soreness.