I developed the habit of taking seven spin classes a week during my summer break. It’s been great for my endurance, but my muscles are looking bulkier in ballet. Is spinning bad for dancers? —Ashley, Miami, FL The answer depends on your body’s composition. All of us are born with a mix of fast- and […]

I did a musical number with lots of jumps on a tour stop without a sprung floor. Now my leg really hurts. An orthopedist told me I have shin splints but not a stress fracture. Is the recovery time different? —Bob, Riverdale, NY Yes. A shin splint is a soft-tissue injury, whereas a stress fracture […]

I feel totally unlovable as a woman ever since my boyfriend left me for a male dancer in the company. I truly believed he was in love with me when we moved in together. How can I get over my gut-wrenching grief, let alone dance with him? —Anonymous A serious boyfriend who suddenly comes out […]

I’ve already had several dance jobs and apprenticed with a company. Now I’ve set up a series of auditions but can’t shake the words of my old dance teacher. He told our entire class that, unlike him, we didn’t have what it takes to be a professional. He also laughed at us and made humiliating […]

I’m constantly terrified about my health even though my annual physical was fine. All it takes is an upset stomach or a new freckle. Then I can’t eat or concentrate on dance and waste hours checking myself, searching the web for fatal diseases and insisting on lab tests. Knowing I’m a hypochondriac doesn’t help. What […]

My orthopedist says I need hip arthroscopy to repair a torn labrum from doing an upside-down split in a contemporary piece. He says I’ll most likely be able to dance again, but I’m worried. My best friend had the same surgery and wasn’t able to perform ballet afterwards. How risky is this operation? I’m only […]

I’m naturally thin and have been living on fast food such as burgers, fries and pizza. Now I’m trying to eat better to prepare for auditions. I know the basics, like choosing good carbs, protein and fat, but it’s hard to make smart choices when I’m grocery shopping. Any ideas? —S.H., New York, NY It’s […]

Why am I scared of success? I’m understudying a lead part in a musical, but my reaction is pure fear. I know other dancers who are envious of this chance. Can you help me conquer my demons? —Cary, Hoboken, NJ Yes, but you’ll need to identify the trigger so you can deal with your fear. […]