I'm a serious dancer trying to recover from an eating disorder?

Question

I'm go to college for dance in NYC. Towards the end of my first school year, my technique was at its best and I was at the top of my classes. My turns and extensions were strong, and I could go all day. However, the last two months of April and May, I became, well, anorexic. I was consuming less than 700/800 calories a day. With the height of 5'3", I dropped from about 110 lbs to 96 lbs. When I came home from school, my family and friends were horrified, and I've been getting treatment from a nutritionist and therapist every week so far this summer. My weight hasn't really changed, though, because I'm afraid to consume the amount of calories I'm being told to consume. I haven't been dancing for a whole two months, now, save for one or two random hour-and-a-half ballet classes that were easy to get through. This week, I'm taking a summer dance intensive from 9 am to 3 pm, and I was slapped in the face when I realized I couldn't keep up like I used to. And it wasn't that I was sore like

Answer 1

I know how you feel.  I used to be the same way.  The truth is really simple, when you dance you are expending a lot of energy and if you don't have enough calories to use (if you are not eating enough), you don't have a lot of energy.  Think back to the time where you were 110 lbs.  What were you eating then?  I would try to model your eating habits after that time.  Don't be so concerned about gaining weight.  With all the dancing that you are doing, it is going to be hard to put on too much weight.  My advice to you would be to eat a lot of protein and get back into the swing of taking class.  Don't forget, you have been out for a few months with only a ballet class here and there and you are all of a sudden throwing yourself into an intensive.  It may also have something to do with that.  I'm sure by the end of your intensive things will be better, you will be stronger.  Bring snacks like peanut butter on a wheat tortilla, tuna, fruit, etc.  Good luck to you!  I'm glad you are aware of your body enough to admit you had a bit of a problem!  Many people are not so lucky.

Answer 2

What happened is that in your condition, two months is pretty long time to stopped dancing (it's like a year). And I think you know already about going slow first when restarting your regiment. Just like in any form of exercise. Summer dance are very intensive, because it is short that they try to put everything in a semester into a few week.  You will eventually get back in shape and same energy if you do it correctly. Maybe you should do something less intense for now. Sort of like building your strength. This will also help your body and muscle heal correctly, including your heart.

Your diet should reflect your lifestyle. Meaning if you are dancing a lot, then you should be able to feed your body the right amount of food for energy. For dancers and athletes, carb is not their enemy. (Although stay away from sugar)  Follow your nutritionist, and have it tailored to your activities. Being anorexic, you need to care for your bones especially. Patience can be your enemy or best friend.  Pick one.  You want to last as long as you can. It might take you a little bit longer now, but it's better than  lasting only for a short while.

Do some meditation and find your center. Concentrate on your center whenever you are feeling in trouble. You want to achieve balance in your life.

Your center is the same place you concentrate when you are on eleve on one foot and on passe. It's inside where your stomach is. It's like your gyroscope. Feel the same feeling when you are balancing yourself - to find your center.

Answer 3

heyyy im 5'2 and I weigh 111 and I am a dancer so I can understand the constant strain of "am I light enough" but also your body needs fuel to run off of so dont be afraid of gaining back your weight and of course you will get back strong like you were especially if you have the drive and passion I think you do.

Answer 4

of course you will. When you get to the weight you want..you will feel better and im sure be happier, you will also have the strength and energy you need, and that will make your dancing better. im sure it will take you alittle while to get back into it..but im sure you will be better than ever. but getting healthy is the best thing to do..so dont worry..im sure when you start again you will be greatt!!! :-)

Answer 5

Stay strong and you can recover. =) You have the heart, determination for dancing and i believe you can make a big comeback! If dancing was your passion in life, don`t let it go, work hard, gain the weight and get back out there and show the world what you can do! =)