If you’re spending your days bouncing from virtual class to Zoom rehearsal to at-home Pilates, you could end up dehydrated, which can put you at risk for early-onset fatigue, dizziness and injury. A thirst-quenching smoothie can tackle that post-class energy slump while helping you stick to your hydration goals. But a smart blend is filled […]

Dancers know they need to drink plenty of fluids. As little as 1 to 2 percent fluid loss from sweat can affect mental and physical performance, causing issues with focus, memory, balance and endurance. “Proper hydration also minimizes muscle cramping and aids in recovery. It’s good for digestion. It helps lubricate joints,” says Yasi Ansari, […]

Losing yourself in a pint of ice cream after a frustrating audition. Stress baking during the COVID-19 lockdown. Most of us have experience with “emotional eating,” using food to process or distract from stress. There are scientific reasons why we turn to food for emotional support, says Marie Scioscia, a registered dietitian who works with […]

Health, as a state of balanced being, encompasses the physical, mental and emotional realms of our livelihood. As a dietitian for dancers, my expertise focuses on using food as a tool to enhance performance and health. And while most dancers work with me to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle, what is healthy for one […]

What supports the framework for a healthy dancer? Strong bones. Our bone density is determined by the amount of minerals available within our bones. Those like calcium make up much of our bone mass, and the more of it we have, the stronger our bones are. From our teenage years and well into our late […]

When the weather outside is frightful, it’s only natural to reach for a steaming cup of something delicious. The right hot drinks can hydrate you and provide bonus nutri­ents to support your hardworking dancer body—all while keeping you warm and toasty. Green Tea Green tea—and, to a lesser extent, black tea—is rich in compounds that […]

Given the hype around sugar’s unhealthy consequences, it might as well be wrapped in a layer of yellow “Caution” tape. But many dancers still cannot kick the strong cravings for their favorite sweet indulgences. How can dancers manage this urge without fear? Why the Body Craves Sugar Whether it comes from whole-grain bread or a […]

Dancing on an empty stomach is like skipping a warm-up before class or going onstage with no rehearsal: It might seem like a shortcut, but it’ll seriously mess with your performance. There are some valid reasons why dancers get into this habit. For starters, it can be uncomfortable or nauseating to work out at a […]