10 Pros Show Us How to Prioritize Self Care

June 4, 2017

Living the #dancerlife is no easy feat. Between daily technique classes, late night rehearsals and numerous side gigs to get the bills paid, dancers often don’t prioritize self care. It may seem like the least important item on your never-ending to-do list, but it’s vital to make time for your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Ignoring basic needs can ultimately damage your technique and performance. We could all use some tips from these 10 professional dancers who know how to practice self love.

American Ballet Theatre principal Alban Lendorf won’t deny himself some red wine and sorbet as a post-performance treat:

Miami City Ballet’s Nathalia Arja can often be found lounging on the beach, like any true Miami girl:

Akua Noni Parker of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater spends quality time with her dad by going shopping for sunglasses:

Chloé Albaret of Nederlands Dans Theater takes time to step outside of the studio and enjoy nature:

Pacific Northwest Ballet corps de ballet dancers Elle Macy and Dylan Wald make time for hobbies, including painting:

Broadway’s Thayne Jasperson and other Hamilton original cast members enjoy a night out, in celebration of their hit musical:

New York City Ballet principal Lauren Lovette knows that pets can make the best of friends:

Pennsylvania Ballet couple Nayara Lopes and Sterling Baca take care of their bodies with some stretching and foam rolling—and plans for brunch:

Jacob Dickey, also known as Aladdin in the hit Broadway musical, appreciates getting lost in a good book:

Giordano Dance Chicago performing associate Arielle Israel indulges in a delicious meal: