The Dance Nutritionist®
Dance nutrition involves nutrient-dense food choices, meal plans, and balanced recipes. Dance nutrition also plays a role in a dancer’s emotional and mental well being. With an endless supply of nutrition information, it’s difficult to decipher between healthy habits and unsustainable disordered eating behaviors.
Hi! I’m Rachel Fine, a former professional dancer turned board-certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with advanced certifications in Eating Disorders (CEDS-C), Sports Nutrition (CSSD), and Intuitive Eating. I founded To The Pointe Nutrition in 2013 and built The Healthy Dancer® curriculum with the mission to provide credible nutrition education to all dancers, including dance parents and dance educators worldwide.
The Healthy Dancer® combines my expertise in performance nutrition with a non-diet and weight-inclusive approach to food and body image. I specialize in nutrition for dancers, with a focus on eating disorders, disordered eating, orthorexia, and perfectionism.
With a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University, I completed my Dietetic Internship at NYU Langone Medical Center and at Mount Sinai Hospital. After receiving licensure, I joined the staff at NYU Langone Medical Center as a Clinical Dietitian. Past appointments include Clinical Adjunct Instructor of Medical Nutrition Therapy at New York University, Adjunct Professor of Sports Nutrition at Long Island University, and research at NYU Langone’s Harkness Center for Dance Injuries.
In addition to managing my private practice, I’m a monthly columnist for Dance Magazine, Pointe Magazine, and Dance Teacher Magazine, along with serving as the leading nutrition expert and dietitian for Dance Masterclass and Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP).
Contact
FAQs
How should I use this site?
This site is for informational purposes only. Use it as a resource. The information is general and not specific to you. If looking for personalized nutrition advice, consult with a qualified health professional such as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
I’m a dancer looking for help with nutrition and meal planning. I want to learn how to fuel my body for health and performance. Who can I contact?
Seek a licensed professional. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, can construct a plan for your specific goals. Dietitians complete years of rigorous training to develop expertise in the field of food and nutrition. A Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics can further work with dancers to tailor performance needs. For more information, complete the form above to learn more about working with a dietitian.
I think my diet is restrictive, but I’m scared to add more food and I’m worried about weight gain. What should I do?
Seek a licensed professional, such as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, to construct a plan for your specific goals. To further your support, working with a board-certified specialist in both the treatment of eating disorders and intuitive eating is encouraged. Intuitive eating describes a lifestyle where food holds no moral value of “good” versus “bad” or “right” versus “wrong.” While dancers benefit from proper meal planning to manage busy schedules, dance nutrition should also encourage a non-restrictive approach where all foods can fit, guilt-free, into a balanced lifestyle.
How do I sign up for The Healthy Dancer®?
The Healthy Dancer® is an online training course designed for dancers ages 11 and up. This is a monthly membership designed to offer community and ongoing support. One-on-one coaching sessions are available throughout the 24+ month membership and thereafter. Click here to learn more.
I’m a teacher/studio director and would like to provide my students with nutrition information.
Dance teachers and studio directors nationwide are using The Healthy Dancer® to implement nutrition education into training programs and summer intensives. The Healthy Dancer® Nutrition & Wellness Initiative is a great place to get started. Additionally, workshops are available for groups. Click here for more information.
Can I reproduce the downloads and guides from this site and from The Healthy Dancer® and give them to my students/parents/company members?
All materials are copyrighted and cannot be distributed without permission. If you’re looking to supply nutrition information to your studio, school, or company, use the contact form above to request resources.