💪 Body changes are part of life—and they’re part of dance. In this episode, we discuss how dancers can embrace body changes without fear or shame.
Learn how to:
âś… Build body trust through growth, puberty, and shifts in training
âś… Quiet the comparison trap
âś… Stay fueled and present in every stage of your dance journey
đź“… Perfect for: dancers experiencing natural body changes at any stage.
👉🏼 Read the full blog: https://dancenutrition.com/body-changes/
📲 Follow on Instagram: @ToThePointeNutrition
đź”” Subscribe: Nutrition for Dancers on YouTube
🎙️ Listen on Apple + Spotify: Nutrition for Dancers with The Dance Nutritionist® Podcast
Rachel Fine, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and Certified Counselor of Intuitive Eating works with dancers to help them build supportive relationships with both food and body.Â
Disclaimer: This is produced for informational purposes only. This information is general, not specific to you. The information in this podcast does not substitute for medical advice. The viewer assumes full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional regarding health conditions or concerns, and before starting a new diet or health program.
Timestamps ⬇️ (Skip to the section you need!)
0:00 – Why Dancers’ Bodies Change Over Time
From puberty to pregnancy to aging—Rachel explains why body changes are natural and necessary for dancers.
0:46 – The Challenge of Buying New Leotards
Why replacing dancewear can trigger discomfort and how to shift your mindset.
2:23 – Common Reasons a Dancer’s Body Changes
Puberty, training load, injury recovery, nutrition patterns, stress, and aging explained.
3:05 – Impact of Increased or Decreased Training
How workload changes influence muscle tone, body composition, and overall performance.
4:01 – How Proper Nutrition Affects Your Body
Fueling adequately can lead to healthy physical changes that support dance training.
4:31 – Stress, Hormones, and Physical Changes
The role of life stressors, hormonal shifts, and natural aging in a dancer’s body evolution.
5:11 – Acknowledging and Accepting Change
Shifting focus from appearance to what your body can do right now.
5:58 – Personal Example: Illness Recovery
How rest and nourishment supported Rachel’s recovery and gradual return to the studio.
6:45 – Personal Example: Pregnancy and Fertility
Navigating rapid body changes and honoring your body’s needs during major life transitions.
7:52 – Puberty and the Pre-Professional Dancer
Why adolescence brings big shifts in body shape during crucial training years.
9:03 – Reframing the “Old Body” Mindset
From “How do I get my old body back?” to “How can I support my current body?”
10:15 – Practical Tips for Leotard Shopping
Choosing styles, fabrics, and fits that help you feel confident and supported.
12:00 – Why Your Leotard Should Fit You—Not the Other Way Around
How properly fitting dancewear improves comfort, focus, and performance.
12:58 – A Holistic Approach to Body Changes
Combining dancewear updates, balanced meals, rest, and hydration for comfort and confidence.
14:52 – Supporting Long-Term Health and Performance
Fueling for hormonal balance, injury prevention, and sustainable dance careers.