Whether you’re a student or pro, it’s possible this question has entered your mind. It’s also possible you’ve searched for answers in those “what I eat in a day” posts from fellow dancers. It’s not a bad thing to look for inspiration and to gain insights based on what others are doing BUT it’s so important that you find the unique way that works for you to fuel yourself.

You are active. No question there. With that in mind, you definitely need to make sure you’re getting enough to support yourself. From a caloric standpoint you can’t be restrictive.

I want you to meet your goals in a sustainable way and avoid injury. This means it’s essential that you’re eating enough! Check out this video for more:

Are you making food choices to support your body? Stay aware of the quality of your food. That’s the most important piece. It’s way more essential that you eat high quality foods than eating “less”. Staying under some restrictive caloric number but just eating twinkies is not going to support your dancing.

Make staying at a healthy dancing weight (whatever you decide that is for you) enjoyable and easy.

In this video I touch on some food plans and practices that could work to help you reach your body goals. There are some specific food suggestions to help you see how it can actually be simple to craft a meal plan around whole foods. Should you be strict with calories and serving sizes? I don’t think so. Find out why in this video!

If you’d like to stay up to date with the content at The Whole Dancer, subscribe to the YouTube channel and sign up for The Whole Dancer Email list! You’ve got this!

The post What “should” a Dancer Eat in a Day? appeared first on The Whole Dancer.

Then it gets started and it can easily start to feel like things aren’t going according to plan. The pressure is too much. Your artistic director doesn’t seem to like  you any more. You don’t feel like you’re at  your peak.

Here are 4 tips to ensure an incredible season :

1.Decide what’s important – this is going to vary depending on where you are in your career. If you’re still a student (whether in college or HS) working towards a professional job keep your eye on that prize.

It doesn’t really matter what you’re cast in at your current school – companies don’t hire you because you were the sugar plum in the Nutcracker. They hire you because of how you showcase your skills for them in an audition. Get clear on your goals for this season and focus on the things that will really make an impact on how you feel and dance.

2. Abandon any hope of “fruition” – this comes from Pema Chodron’s book Comfortable with Uncertainty. This book changed my life and I’d highly suggest you check it out.

Uncertainty is one of the only constants in life and by working towards accepting that you’ll be infinitely happier. Pema says, “Fruition implies that at some future time you will feel good…as long as you are wishing for things to change they never will. As long as you’re wanting yourself to get better, you won’t.”

3. Fuel yourself – Let the food you eat be your best dancing fuel. In last weeks workshop, Lauren Lovette shared that she was always eating for other people, in going Vegan she finally started eating for herself. Before, she felt like she had to show people that even though she was this fit ballerina she could still down a cheeseburger and fries.

Now, she’s focused on the fuel that helps her dance at her personal best. Take the time to experiment and figure out which eating plan works for you and do the planning and prep to prioritize those foods.

4. Seek Support – Find a person who makes you feel supported. Whatever you’re going through, it’s likely someone has been in a similar situation. I’m consistently amazed by how similar the dancer experience is…we have a lot in common! Whether you join a program here at The Whole Dancer or seek support elsewhere – find what you need. You’re not alone!

Share in the comments below! What action are you taking to ensure this is your best season yet?

The post Start your new season on the right foot. appeared first on The Whole Dancer.