Geraldine Spiteri

As a dancer, it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to fuel your body for optimal performance. Here are some tips for healthy eating for dancers:

1. Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods: Aim to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats. This will provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs to support your dancing.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased performance.
3. Plan your meals and snacks: Plan ahead and bring healthy snacks with you to class or rehearsals. This will help you avoid unhealthy vending machine options and keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
4. Don’t skip meals: Skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar levels and decreased energy levels, which can negatively impact your dancing. Aim to eat three balanced meals a day and healthy snacks as needed.
5. Pay attention to portion sizes: It’s important to pay attention to serving sizes to avoid overeating. Use a smaller plate, measure out your portions, and avoid eating out of the bag or container.
6. Avoid processed foods: Processed and packaged foods are often high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Instead, choose whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible.

Remember, everyone’s nutritional needs are different, so it’s important to listen to your body and work with a registered dietitian if you have specific dietary needs or concerns.

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Did you ever ask yourself the question: What are pointe shoes? Here are your pointe shoes explained!

Pointe shoes are worn by ballet dancers to support their weight on the tips of their toes when dancing. It’s referred to as ‘pointe’, the French word for ‘tip’ or ‘point’. The use of French terminology in ballet is common because of the history and influence of French ballet on the art form.

Pointe shoes are a type of specialized ballet shoe that allows dancers to dance on the tips of their toes. They are made with a hard, supportive box at the front of the shoe, which is typically constructed with layers of glue and fabric, and a shank, or sole, that provides support and stability for the foot. The toe box is typically reinforced with a layer of paste and/or paper to make it strong enough to support the weight of the dancer on the tip of their toes.

Pointe shoes are worn by ballet dancers who have trained for several years and have developed the strength, technique, and control necessary to dance en pointe, or on the tips of their toes. Dancing on pointe is considered one of the most challenging and physically demanding aspects of ballet, and requires a great deal of discipline, practice, and dedication.

So what are demi-pointe shoes?

Demi-pointe shoes, also known as soft blocks or pre-pointe shoes, are a type of ballet shoe that is used by dancers who are preparing to transition to dancing en pointe, or on the tips of their toes. Demi-pointe shoes are similar in design to pointe shoes, but they do not have a hard box at the front of the shoe, and the shank is typically more flexible.

Dancers use demi-pointe shoes to develop the strength and technique needed for dancing en pointe. By wearing these shoes, dancers can practice balancing on the ball of their foot and strengthening the muscles and tendons in their feet and ankles. Demi-pointe shoes can also be used for certain ballet exercises and performances, where the dancer may need a shoe with a bit more support than a regular ballet slipper.

It is important to note that dancers should only begin to use demi-pointe shoes – and pointe shoes! – under the guidance of a trained ballet teacher, and only after they have developed sufficient strength, technique, and control to do so safely. The transition to dancing en pointe should always be done gradually and with proper instruction, to prevent injury and ensure the health of the dancer’s feet and ankles.

At our shop, we have a variety of pointe shoes for different stages. Please enquire if you’re in doubt. Pointe shoes should also be properly fitted and should not be bought at random unless you have already had a fitting before.

Did you know that dancing makes you happy?

Any form of exercise is known to release endorphins, our ‘happy’ hormones. When we move, after a class or sports session, or after some activity, we feel less despondent, happier.

Dance is one such form of movement – whether it’s a vigorous jazz lesson or a ballet lesson. There is this idea that ballet is a ‘calmer’ type of dance. It isn’t. Ballet can be just energetic, including jumps, leaps and darts across the room.

Added to the exercise factor, dance is a form of art. Dance is a means of expression. Not only do we move and generate happy hormones. When we dance, we express feeling.

This is why it is important to move in a coordinated way. Our arabesques, our pirouettes, our springs. These are all executed with the right emotion. It could be a graceful, gentle movement, like a port-de-bras. Or it could be a sharp movement like a pirouette or grand jete’.

Look your best when dancing. Take a look at our leotards section, or browse our bottoms for that matching pair of pants. A simple change, such as new tights, can make all the difference to your appearance.