top of page
Search


Vitamin B6 and B12: Energy, Recovery, and High-Demand Training Periods
If you’re training consistently — whether that’s dance, lifting, running, or a mix — there are times when energy seems harder to access. You might notice: stamina dipping earlier than usual focus fading faster on long days soreness lingering longer recovery feeling “off,” even though your routine hasn’t changed Often, this leads people to assume they’re doing something wrong. But during high-demand periods, energy challenges aren’t always about effort or motivation. They’re o

Melissa
2 days ago4 min read
![Dancer with a [Vitamin] D: Bone Health, Immunity, and Winter Performance](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d0fd33_2cbffaaf2b4b40ef971e18ff29bf8664~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/d0fd33_2cbffaaf2b4b40ef971e18ff29bf8664~mv2.webp)
![Dancer with a [Vitamin] D: Bone Health, Immunity, and Winter Performance](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d0fd33_2cbffaaf2b4b40ef971e18ff29bf8664~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_300,h_225,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/d0fd33_2cbffaaf2b4b40ef971e18ff29bf8664~mv2.webp)
Dancer with a [Vitamin] D: Bone Health, Immunity, and Winter Performance
Why Vitamin D Matters in Dance Vitamin D plays an essential role in: bone health muscle function immune support For dancers, this matters not only for day-to-day performance — but for injury prevention and career longevity. Dance places repeated stress on the skeletal system through jumping, landing, and high training volume. Vitamin D helps support the systems that allow the body to adapt to this stress over time. Why Winter Is a Risk Window Vitamin D is synthesized in the

Melissa
Jan 253 min read


what if 'superfoods' were just... foods that work?
We’ve all heard the term “superfood.” It’s a shiny label slapped on açaí bowls, goji berries, turmeric lattes, kale, and avocado toast — usually with the implication that these foods are somehow magically better than others.

Melissa
Jan 123 min read


what it takes to fuel the life of a traveling showgirl
In this guest post, Lori offers a behind-the-scenes look at life as a traveling showgirl and continually training ballerina. This isn’t a highlight reel or a “perfect routine.” It’s an honest reflection on what it actually takes to fuel, move, rest, and adapt when your schedule changes week to week and your body is your livelihood.

Lori (aka The Prima Valentina)
Jan 54 min read


Iron for Dancers: Energy, Endurance, and Audition Season Support
This year I'll be digging deeper into some micronutrients and other aspects of performance nutrition that are vital for dancers to know and understand. As I share with all dancers I interact with, we have an innate need to understand the WHY for nutrition before we'll even attempt the WHAT and the HOW. Let's get started! why iron matters for dancers Iron plays a key role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. For dancers, this directly affects: stamina across long rehear

Melissa
Jan 53 min read


barriers to nutrition support in the dance community: a fall 2025 survey
This report presents the findings of an anonymous survey conducted in October 2025 among dancers, parents/caregivers, dance teachers/directors, and dance medicine professionals.

Melissa
Nov 12, 20258 min read


performance recovery starts before the curtain falls
Performance recovery for dancers starts before the curtain falls. Learn simple nutrition, hydration, and rest habits to keep you strong all weekend.

Melissa
Oct 15, 20252 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 2, 20254 min read


how to support your teen dancer’s food choices without creating tension
Imagine this: your teen dancer comes home after a long day of school and rehearsal, grabs a slice of cake, and sits down at the table. Before you can stop yourself, you say—“Shouldn’t you have something healthier?”

Melissa
Aug 20, 20254 min read


letting go of sugar guilt
If there’s one nutrient that gets dancers spinning in circles (and not the good kind), it’s sugar. Somewhere along the way, sugar got...

Melissa
Jul 1, 20253 min read


let's talk about sugar
What dancers need to know about sugar, energy, and fueling smartly—not fearfully.

Melissa
Jun 14, 20253 min read


what kind of support do dancers REALLY need?
Dancers need more than discipline and technique—they need support systems that prioritize fuel, flexibility, and long-term well-being. Learn what real support looks like for dancers, parents, teachers, and health professionals.

Melissa
Jun 3, 20252 min read


3 things getting me through the spring season (as a dancer + nutritionist)
A personal peek at what’s grounding, fueling, and supporting me right now. Spring is beautiful… and busy. Between rehearsals, schedule...

Melissa
Apr 11, 20253 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 7, 20254 min read


dancers, bloating is normal... but when should you worry?
Bloating is common in dancers, but when should you be concerned? Learn why it happens, when to investigate, and how to manage bloating witho

Melissa
Mar 4, 20253 min read


sleep, nutrition, performance
Dancers are constantly seeking ways to optimize their performance, improve recovery, and maintain long-term health. While training...

Melissa
Jan 31, 20254 min read


performance nutrition: a MUST for dance education
Discover why nutrition and anatomy education is essential for dancers. Learn how dance studios can empower young dancers with the knowledge

Melissa
Jan 13, 20254 min read


understanding low energy availability (LEA): a guide for dancers and athletes
Learn about Low Energy Availability (LEA) and how it impacts dancers and athletes. Discover actionable tips for energy balance, performance

Melissa
Jan 2, 20254 min read


fueling your summer dance program: why a flexible nutrition plan is essential
Picture this: it's the peak of summer, the studio feels like an oven, and you're drenched in sweat. You're only halfway through the day, but

Melissa
Apr 22, 20242 min read


pulling the curtain back on calories
Calories. They seem to be everywhere, don't they? From food labels to Google searches, Reels, TikTok, and countless other sources. Let's emb

Melissa
Oct 3, 20232 min read
bottom of page
.png)