What images come to your mind when you think of your body? As a dancer, thinking about how your body looks may have become second nature. The way you... Read More
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Body image
![Puberty has benefits?! [A response to Misty Copeland’s story]](https://stageminded.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/medium_10911602524-120x120-c-default.jpg)
Puberty has benefits?! [A response to Misty Copeland’s story]
First of all, sorry for the big gap between blog posts! I have been busy getting started at the Australian Ballet School, teaching some performance psychology classes and working with dancers one on one… but I certainly haven’t forgotten you, blog readers! Hello again!
Since Fat-Talk-Free month in February, I have been thinking a fair bit about the issue of “fatness” among dancers. Many dancers feel fat (regardless of whether they are or not) and body image plays a big role in our art-form, yet many find it a hard topic to talk about plainly in a helpful way.
So, when I read Misty Copeland’s incredibly powerful article on her journey toward body-confidence last month, I was struck by how clearly her story not only portrayed the issues so many dancers face… but also beautifully outlined the ingredients that have made her transformation such an inspiring “success story”.
A month without saying the “F” word?
Why Dancers’ Mental Health Is Vitally Important
2 articles I’ve read recently have just got my blood pumping.
One highlighted how dance and the types of personalities it attracts (um, perfectionists…) are linked to higher incidences of eating disorders, which are the deadliest of all mental disorders.
And then just a few days ago, was the shocking story of a talented principal dancer from the Eugene Ballet in the US, who unexpectedly committed suicide, leaving a note for his wife on the door of their home.
Such devastating stories show how *vitally* important it is for dancers to take care of their mental and emotional health.
Food – friend or foe? Part 2
So, here it is, Part 2 on Food – friend or foe? (The friendly part) For those who missed it, Part 1 is over here!
Now, I’m not a nutritionist, so you won’t be hearing me say to go out and eat bucket loads of kale (although I do hear its good for you!). I am a counsellor, so instead I’ll be talking about the mindsets & attitudes toward food & eating that can help it remain (or become!) a relaxed, healthy part of life.
Food as friend = Freedom
To start with, a healthy relationship with food needs to be based on freedom not control… so how do you define freedom with food?
Food – friend or foe? Part 1
Sorry it’s been awhile between posts – I’ve been busy growing a baby and surviving the silly season! I’ve also found myself with gestational diabetes… :-( Fortunately for me, it’s very mild and only lasts during pregnancy, but it has meant having a diet plan and monitoring my carb & sugar intake, which takes me back to that familiar place of focusing on food that I remember only too well from my dancing days. Hence the subject of today’s post (and my next one): Food – Friend or Foe? Enjoy!
I’ve always said that every dancer has a unique relationship with food.
As dancers, your body is your instrument and so how your body looks can easily affect how you feel about yourself (your self-confidence) and how others perceive you – including your teachers & directors.
The Female Athlete Triad
This week is National Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week so today’s post focuses on a critical but little known trilogy of problems known as the “Female Athlete Triad”.
In a recent study of ‘exercising women’ in Australia, only 10% of participants could identify the 3 elements of the Female Athlete Triad.
Have you heard of it? …Most dancers haven’t. Yet, with our very active dance schedules, perfectionist tendencies and desire to fit into the industry’s slender mould, dancers are all at risk of this serious combination of problems, and need to be aware of it.
OK, enough suspense: What is the Female Athlete Triad?