Dance as an Artist

I once thought that a veggie-loaded salad (dressing on the side) was sufficient for lunch. Not only did it check the boxes of a “healthy” meal, but it also filled me physically and, according to what I thought was right for a dancer, gave me the reassurance of control— the hope that if I continued to do everything “right,” I would achieve not just performance success, but also, dancer body goals (thankfully, I came to realize all of this was…

Artificial intelligence (AI), as a mainstream medium for information, is quickly becoming the norm not just for everyday life, but also, in healthcare. AI for nutrition advice, from calorie targets to meal plans, has gained popularity due to its accessibility. But AI comes with major risks and limitations. This article will uncover everything you should be aware of when relying on chatbots, ChatGPT, and other AI-driven tools for nutrition advice.

Nutcracker is an exciting time— for some dancers, it’s the biggest performance of their year. For others, it’s a time of traditions and a balancing act between a crazy busy performance season and time off for the holidays. But alongside this excitement comes the road leading to it, and it starts with your audition. Chances are, you’ve spent the summer building upon your foundation. Whether that means completing a string of intensives or taking a few months off to recover,…

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder— a form of neurodivergence characterized by a shift in how the brain thinks and processes information. People with ADHD often experience an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interferes with their ability to function. Dancers with ADHD can experience a variety of challenges in the studio. When considering the parameters from The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), dancers might struggle with: Maintaining the focus needed to complete a class. Missing…

In school, classes and assignments centered on the topic of nutrition can offer valuable opportunities for learning about the role of food on energy, sports performance, and disease management, to name a few. But when these assignments involve practices like food tracking and calorie counting, they can be triggering to disordered eating and self-doubt. The bombardment of diet culture can be challenging if you’re simultaneously recovering your relationship with food. In this article, we’ll uncover how to move through these…

A new dance season is among us— new goals, higher expectations, and countless possibilities for growth. But with each new season comes a unique set of challenges. Whether you’re joining a new school, beginning a renewed company contract, or returning to your usual spot at the barre, a sense of overwhelm is likely. Regardless, we can look forward to this new season as one of opportunity. Evaluating your expectations and setting realistic goals is a major part of the process…