If you have a young dancer in your family, chances are he or she is busy attending dance classes and practicing pirouettes, arabesques, and combinations all the time. Like any type of physical activity, it’s vital to your child’s success to make sure he or she is eating enough so he or she will have plenty of energy and stamina. We’ll discuss some building blocks for proper nutrition, as well as some important things to look out for when you’re preparing meals and snacks for your dancer. If your son or daughter is interested in taking ballet, tap, lyrical, or modern dance classes from some of the most incredible dance instructors in the United States, contact Skyra Studios LLC for for information. We proudly offer amazing dance classes for all ages. Call our helpful studio staff now!
Eat Enough
Food is fuel and is vital to the intense art of dance. Make sure that your son or daughter eats plenty of nourishing foods before and after class so that he or she will have plenty of energy. Food directly affects mood, performance, and comprehension. If your kiddo forgot to eat lunch at school and has a long dance rehearsal, he or she is going to be exhausted by the end of the day. Make sure that you pack plenty of healthy snacks and water for the rehearsal or class.
Eat Well
Sugary soda or drinks, too much caffeine, processed foods, and empty calories will only cause your child to run on empty and struggle to have adequate energy. Caffeine has an opposite effect on the body, offering a quick surge of energy but a fast crash later, and so it should be consumed in limited quantities. A few important foods to make sure your son or daughter is eating include:
Lean protein: Chicken, fish, lean beef, tofu, and other plant-based forms of protein are important for muscle growth and strength. You can supplement a lean protein source with a protein powder, but a protein powder supplement shouldn’t be the primary source of protein.
Fruits and vegetables: Sliced carrots and celery sticks, apples, oranges, bananas, and berries make perfect snacks between school and dance rehearsals. Fruits and veggies are full of vital nutrients and vitamins and can be packed ahead of time for quick, healthy fuel.
Complex carbohydrates: Sweet potatoes, root vegetables, whole grain bread, oatmeal, and dark leafy greens are all excellent forms of complex carbs. These are the perfect form of fuel and energy, as these carbs are slowly burned during physical activity. A piece of toast with peanut butter and banana slices or a bowl of oatmeal with berries is the ideal quick meal before or after an intense rehearsal.
H2O: Drinking enough water is vital to your young dancer’s success. Pack several water bottles in his or her dance bag, or make sure that he or she has a reusable bottle that can be refilled at the studio.
A daily multivitamin: While a multivitamin isn’t designed to make up for a bad diet, it can provide more nutrients for the body to work with and utilize.
Eat Often
As mentioned before, food is fuel, and it’s important that your son or daughter eats often to keep his or her tummy full and focus strong. Provide healthy snacks during the day, and make sure that your kiddo eats a good breakfast in the morning before school. If there is time between school and dance class, make a snack to keep him or her full. This can be a yummy roast turkey sandwich, a peanut butter and banana smoothie, or a sweet potato with a grilled chicken breast. After class is over, a quick snack before bed will ensure that your child will sleep soundly and his or her body will recover well.
Dance is an intense and physical activity, and should be treated as such. Eating well is essential to your kiddo’s success in dance, and using these easy tips will ensure that your child will improve and grow in the art of dance. If your son or daughter is interested in starting his or her dance education, contact Skyra Studios LLC for more information about our dance programs and classes. We can’t wait to talk to you!
