Dance and Nutrition
Our students’ well-being matters a great deal to us, which is why, for this blog post, we wanted to contact a professional dancer and former dance teacher at our centres, Cristina Maestre to tell us about the importance of nutrition in dance and how it affects people. We will leave you with her:
Hello, I am Cristina. I was born in Ontinyent, Valencia, and since 2012 I have been a professional dancer. Making a living from dance has been a dream come true, but it has demanded a lot of me. Taking care of myself was always important, so during my career as a dancer I also pursued my nutrition studies and now I am also a dietitian.
I would like to talk a little about the importance of nutrition for Dance. Let us begin:
Nutrition and dance: Beyond appearance
Nutrition among dancers is a taboo subject that, unfortunately, is often overlooked. I have faced challenges in this area myself and have learned over time how crucial proper nourishment is to performing at your best, both physically and mentally.
In rehearsals, performances and auditions, my concern about appearance and physique often outweighed the real need to eat properly. But I came to understand that dance is much more than a slim body.
The danger of extreme restrictions
Many dancers fall into the trap of strict diets, believing that eating less will help them “stay in shape”. I have seen it and experienced it… But the reality is that this is dangerous.
We spend hours in front of the mirror, comparing ourselves and demanding more of ourselves. However, weighing less does not mean dancing better. On the contrary, good nutrition gives you energy, improves your flexibility, enhances your technique and helps concentration and memory.
Taking care of yourself to dance better
Dance is demanding, so we must be equally demanding about our health. Looking after the body is not just about appearance, but about respect for the art and for ourselves. Eating well allows us to enjoy dancing without unnecessary sacrifices.
What should you eat before and after a rehearsal?
Nutrition before a rehearsal, training session or performance is key. Ideally, combine complex carbohydrates and lean proteins.
- Carbohydrates: Whole grains, fruit and vegetables → sustained energy.
- Proteins: Chicken, fish, eggs or pulses → muscle repair.
- Healthy fats: Avocado and nuts → extra energy and better nutrient absorption.
After rehearsing, it is time to recover. Muscles need to replenish themselves, and a good combination of proteins and carbohydrates is essential for this. A plate of rice with chicken and vegetables is a perfect option. And remember to hydrate: drink water even if you are not thirsty.
More than a beautiful body
Over the years, I came to understand that nutrition affects not only the body, but also the mind. Eating well made me feel stronger and more energetic, which improved my performance on stage.
Ultimately, a balanced diet gave me three things:
✔ Being in shape.
✔ A fit, healthy body.
✔ More strength, stamina and mental agility.
Dancers: elite athletes
Today, as a dietitian, I try to convey this message: we dancers are high-performance athletes. It is not just about appearance, but about performing at our best. Our body is our tool, and giving it the right nutrients is the best act of love and respect towards our passion.
Looking back, I realise that my way of “taking care of myself” was wrong and that I looked more towards others than towards myself. Health and performance are not separate from appearance; the former will be a consequence of the latter.
Dance is not just an art; it is also a sporting discipline that deserves respect and care. And that is the most important lesson I have learned over the years.
THANK YOU Cristina, for sharing your experience and advice.
If you would like to contact Cristina for more information:
606 380 183
@nosolo.dietas (Instagram)
See you soon, and thank you for sharing this reading with us.
