Perform at your best. Start with a healthy diet.

As I’m sure you already know, every dancer should follow a healthy diet. The body performs at its best when filled with the the proper fuel. Dancing requires lots of energy, so dancers must consume enough calories to keep up with physical demands. A dancer’s diet should consist of a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals, and adequate fluids. Here’s a list of foods to keep in mind!

• Carbohydrates:

Carbs (starches) should compose about 50-65% of a dancer’s diet. They are found in foods such as cereal, pasta, bagels, breads and baked potatoes.

• Proteins:
  Proteins are important for building and repairing muscles. Proteins should comprise about 12-15% of a dancer’s diet. Good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, beans, legumes and tofu.
• Fats:
  Many dancers worry about gaining weight, and therefore, strictly limit their fat intake. However, a diet too low in fat can impair performance and may cause serious health consequences for the dancer. A dancer’s diet should be composed of about 20-30% fat. Aim to eat foods low in saturated fats, such as avocadoes, nuts and seafood.
• Vitamins and Minerals:
  Vitamins and minerals play important roles in the body, such as energy production and cell formation. To obtain all important vitamins and minerals, dancers should eat at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day and choose whole grain breads and cereals. A multivitamin is suggested for those who do not consume an adequate variety of nutritious foods.
• Fluids:
  Water is required to regulate body temperature, maintain circulation, maintain salt and electrolyte balance, and remove wastes. Fluids are lost through sweat created by the body’s unique cooling system. Because it is possible to lose large amounts of water before becoming thirsty, dancers should remember to drink small amounts of fluids before, during and after workouts.

Tommy Tune to receive Capezio’s Lifetime Achievement Award!

Today, Tommy Tune received the 61st Annual Capezio Dance Award at the Capezio 125th anniversary celebration in New York. It was the latest in a long string of accolades for the 6’6″ Texan. A consummate showman, Tune has made his lanky, laid-back style a signature in musicals like My One and Only (which he also choreographed) and brought wit and old-fashioned charm to hits like The Will Rogers Follies (which he directed). He is now touring in Steps in Time, an autobiographical show.

Debut of new show on CW coming soon

Breaking Pointe is a backstage look at the dancers in Ballet West in Salt Lake City, “one of the most competitive ballet companies in the country.” It will focus on the competition and pursuit of perfection among the members of the company. It will premiere at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 31.

Who’s excited?!

Here’s the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EOXN3jMJ9fs

Let’s get funky

And now for something completely different: Check out the “Arc Angel,” a project by design student Guercy Eugene that re-imagines the pointe shoe. It doesn’t look like it’s actually in production yet (or affiliated with Nike), but it’s a fascinating idea: a sort of half pointe shoe complete with an athletic tread sole and an elastic exercise band that wraps around the foot to prevent sickling. Theoretically its sneaker-y materials make it more durable than traditional shoes, too.

In other words: It’s definitely not your grandmother’s pointe shoe. And I’m not quite sure how it’d work in reality. But it does look pretty cool. What do you think? Would you try it out?

Ballet Inspired TOMS

Stop and smell the roses. Soft pink grosgrain for a charming complement of color. (Rock your pointe shoes with your everyday wardrobe, except these are a whole lot more comfy!)

Every dancer should have a pair!

Here’s the link: http://www.toms.com/wedding-collection/brides/petal-grosgrain-women-s-classics