Vitamin D is an important part of a dancer’s diet, but did you know it’s a fat-soluble vitamin? That means fat improves the body’s ability to absorb it. You may be thinking, I’ll eat some ice cream while soaking up sun! Turns out, that’s not totally far-fetched. According to Rachel Fine, a registered dietitian-nutritionist who […]
You’ve likely seen dancers wrapping recovering joints or taping sore muscles with bright, colorful kinesiology tape. The lightweight, stretchy adhesive is said to improve athletic performance by helping the wearer feel where her limbs are in space. Others like that it provides light support without restricting movement. Devotees even say it increases blood and lymphatic […]
These mouthwatering slices are packed with vitamins, right down to the rind. Crisp, sweet and juicy, watermelon may be the most refreshing summer treat around. In addition to being around 90 percent water—great for hydrating dancers—it offers some key nutrients. Just a cup of the fruit contains close to 20 percent of your daily Vitamin C and […]
Have you noticed that sometimes you’re bursting with energy during class, and other times, you’re just dragging? What you eat beforehand can make all the difference. According to Jorie Janzen, a nutrition consultant and registered dietitian who has worked with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, you need to make sure you’re getting a mix of […]
Fueling your body for dance is essential, but deciding what to eat isn’t always easy. And with new diets surfacing every month, it can be hard to know what to believe: low-carb, low-fat, no gluten, no dairy? What’s the best approach? We delved into two hot diet trends—paleolithic and gluten-free—and consulted experts to find out […]
It was August in New York City, and Paula Morgan was leading a body placement seminar at the 2014 Dance Teacher Summit. When someone asked for advice on addressing bowleggedness in students, the already energetic Morgan switched into high gear. She demanded an example body from the group of attendees; a bowlegged dancer volunteered and […]
When a young male dancer hits puberty, you’ll know the signs: “One day they look normal, the next they look like a string bean. They can get a little wonky for a while,” says Jim Lane, managing director for The Portland Ballet, a youth academy and company. “You’ll notice turns get out of whack, or […]
Despite his busy schedule as principal dancer at the Colorado Ballet, Domenico Luciano makes time to meditate. “It’s part of my routine, my cross-training, my lifestyle,” he says. He first began meditating in yoga class on the weekends, doing a series of breathing exercises after the last poses of class. “It made me feel calm, […]
For some time, health experts have warned us about the risks of artificial sweeteners. They say the products add unnatural chemicals to our diets and can increase sugar cravings. Now, science is emerging to back up the inclination that these sugary shortcuts are bad news. In fact, a new study suggests artificial sweeteners may even […]
Hear me out: Pumpkin offers tons of nutrients, including Vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium and a solid dose of Vitamin C. Most notably, though, the seasonal squash is packed with fiber. Foods high in dietary fiber are known to aid weight loss, because they make you feel full with fewer calories. So when your relatives ask […]