BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 64 What should dancers eat before ballet class? How much should they be eating? What about carbohydrates, hydration, recovery, and snacks during long rehearsals? In this episode of the Ballet Science Podcast, I’m joined by Rachel Fine, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist, former professional dancer, and founder of The Healthy Dancer®….
BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: EPISODE 62 Is it “normal” for ballet dancers to lose their periods? A new 2025 study of elite dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet found that 71% had experienced at least one menstrual cycle disorder during their careers. In this episode, we break down the research, discuss what these findings mean for…
Ballet is known for beauty, discipline, and control… but what’s happening behind the scenes? Today, we break down scientific research on mental health in professional ballet dancers. Discover the prevalence of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and sleep disturbances, and what these findings reveal about the pressures of elite performance environments. Learn why sleep is critical…
Dance demands immense strength and artistry, but also comes with scrutiny around appearance, leading to a higher risk for an “eating disorder”. This video explores the connection between negative body image and limited “nutrition science” knowledge in “college dance” students. We discuss how dancers with more disordered eating habits often have lower “healthy eating” understanding,…
