Tag: food

How Much Protein Do Dancers Actually Need?

You’ve probably heard that protein is essential in a dancer’s diet. But you might not know what protein actually does for your hardworking bod, how much you should be eating, and—gasp!—why it could actually be overrated. We asked Andrea Chernus (a registered dietitian nutritionist who advises Juilliard students and Hamilton cast members) and Nora Minno […]

Snack Smart: What to Eat and When

You know that feeling: At 2 pm, like clockwork, your energy dips and your hunger spikes. The “midday slump” can be a busy dancer’s worst enemy. Luckily, you can avoid it by managing your hunger over the course of the day with strategic snacking. We broke down the best times to satisfy your hunger—and what […]

From the Dining Room to the Dance Studio

Thanksgiving leftovers are easily the best part about the holiday. But digesting rich foods can sap your energy. We spoke with Emily Cook Harrison, a registered dietitian at the Centre for Dance Nutrition in Atlanta, for the scoop on the best Turkey Day leftover recipes for performance power. She suggested a number of delicious combinations, […]

Are You Iron Deficient?

Do you feel overtired, have a hard time catching your breath during grand allégro or seem unable to remember the choreography you learned an hour ago? If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t assume that you just can’t keep up. There might be a good reason for your sluggishness: iron deficiency. Iron deficiency occurs when the […]

Raising the Barre on Studio Snacks

Aaron Ingley and Julia Erickson are partners on and off stage—and now, in business. (Nick Coppula) When Julia Erickson and Aaron Ingley fell in love with dance—and each other—they had no idea their passion would result in a successful food business. Well into their professional ballet careers, the pair became dissatisfied with the lack of […]

The Bountiful Health Benefits of Turkey Day Classics

Thanksgiving dinner is one of those moments where it’s more than okay to help yourself to everything. And you shouldn’t feel guilty, either—your dinner plate is packed with nutritional goodness that’ll keep your body in tip-top dancing shape. Dance Spirit spoke with Peggy Swistak, MS, RDN, CD, of Pacific Northwest Ballet, about the bountiful benefits […]

Light Late-Night Meals for Long Rehearsal Days

Running from school to the studio then home can leave little time for dinner—but that shouldn’t mean skipping it altogether. If you’re coming home at 10 pm with an empty stomach, don’t head straight to bed. Dance Spirit has you covered with three options to tide you over till the morning, without filling you up […]

What (Three of Our Favorite) Ballerinas Eat In a Day

Pulling back the curtain on tried and true ballerina habits never gets old. We’ve pored over the contents of New York City Ballet dancers’ travel cases (Weird heating pads! Notes from fans!), drooled over American Ballet Theatre principal Isabella Boylston’s amazing style, (Helloooo 70s flair!), received our daily dose of #fitspo from international ballerinas with […]