Ballet Dancers - My Body is Changing

by Celeste
(Corvallis)

Ballet Dancers - My Body is Changing

Dear Odette,

Hi I'm 15yrs old and recently I have been gaining fat around my stomach and torso. My ballet teacher says my stomach is becoming a problem in my dancing. I am dancing everyday and eating a balanced diet I also do ab work everyday but none of this is working. I love ballet and will do anything to improve, so do you have any tips to losing this fat? Also, how many calories should I be consuming per day?? Thanks so much!


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Reply by Odette

To:- Ballet Dancers - My Body is Changing

Hello Celeste,

Thank you for contacting me, it is great to hear from you.

As part of growing up and maturing, it is normal to see your body changing so do not panic.

Its sounds like you just need a bit of toning up to loose the extra fat around your stomach and torso.

As a dancer, having the right amount of ‘fuel’ is essential to perform at your best. Dancers will more likely be able to achieve a toned, leaned body through particular exercises or cardio work. As this is often the part that makes the difference rather than trying to cut food down to an unsustainable level.

Pilates is very good for toning your body, so keep up the ab work. I would also suggest swimming for around 30 minutes a few times a week to help tone your muscles.

The amount of calories does hugely vary with the individuality of each dancer. But dancers do need an adequate amount of calories for energy.

I would suggest you to eat a healthy, balanced diet full of nutritious foods. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, whole grains and lean proteins. Drink plenty of water too, 2 litres a day is the recommended amount. Green tea is very good for you too.

You are definitely on the right lines with a balanced diet and the ab work, but if you say none of this is working then perhaps increase the aerobic exercise. Although, do not forget toning your body can take time to see results, so if you are doing it correctly it may feel like your body is not changing. It is a gradual process so you have to be very patient with yourself.

All the best,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page