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does strength training make dancers bulky? (spoiler: no—but underfueling could be your downfall)
“Bulky” is the word many dancers use when they worry their lines will change—or that muscle gain will outpace what reads well onstage. I...

Melissa
Oct 213 min read


aesthetics vs. health: what matters more in dance?
Aesthetics are subjective. Health is essential. Here’s why fueling, recovery, and strength—not appearance—create the stamina, artistry, and consistency directors count on.

Melissa
Oct 24 min read


body checking for dancers: what it is and what to do instead
You catch your reflection between combinations and do a quick scan: lines, waist, quads. Later, you zoom in on a rehearsal photo to check your arm shape. Maybe you pinch, adjust, or try on an old costume “just to see.”
If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything “wrong.” You’re likely body checking.

Melissa
Sep 224 min read


beyond the headlines: why dancers deserve more than a 'plus size future'
Ballet’s future isn’t tied to one body type. Discover why true body diversity, fueling, and support—not size alone—are key to dancer longevity and artistry.

Melissa
Apr 294 min read


an open letter to dance teachers: what will your students remember?
A letter to dance educators about the impact of their words on dancers’ body image, fueling habits, and long-term confidence—plus how to break the cycle.

Melissa
Apr 143 min read


why I say 'balance' instead of 'moderation'
If you've followed my content for a while, you’ve probably noticed that I use the word balance when talking about dancer nutrition—but...

Melissa
Mar 74 min read


what dancers cannot control during casting season: embracing food freedom + letting go
Casting season can stir up a mix of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and sometimes frustration. As dancers, it’s natural to want to control eve

Melissa
Oct 1, 20242 min read


what dancers can control during casting season: focus on fueling, self-care, and balance
Casting season can bring excitement, anticipation, and sometimes stress. While it’s easy to get caught up in factors that feel out of your c

Melissa
Sep 24, 20243 min read


navigating the anti-diet movement
You are all probably pretty familiar with the Anti-Diet Movement - a movement of nutrition and wellness professionals who endorse concepts l

Melissa
Apr 9, 20242 min read


my story: embracing body acceptance + food freedom
I thought it'd be a great time to revisit my journey through dance, my relationship to food + my body, and what food freedom can look like f

Melissa
May 1, 20233 min read


this is my dancer's body
What is written below first appeared as a social media post on april 5, 2021. It rings just as true today as it did a year ago and, I...

Melissa
Jul 25, 20222 min read
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