It’s been years since I last laced up a pair of pointe shoes, but ballet hasn’t left me. Not really. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I find myself back in the same halls I walked for over a decade. My dreams pull me back to the long mirrors, the smooth wooden floors, the scent of rosin and sweat. I roam through the space in silence, watching my reflection move like a ghost—still in...
Read moreWrestling has always been a sport of grit, discipline, and strength—both physical and mental. But for Leah, what began as a passion quickly became a painful battle between loving the sport and hating what it demanded of her body. Leah first stepped onto the mat in middle school. She was one of the only girls in her wrestling program, but her fire and determination made her stand out. She was fast, technical, and smart—qualities that...
Read moreIntroduction For fifteen years, ballet was Stefan’s whole world. From the moment he took his first class as a young boy, he fell in love with the art—the way movement could tell a story, the way music and motion blended into something breathtaking. He thrived in the discipline, worked tirelessly to improve, and eventually found himself landing lead roles in major productions. From The Nutcracker to Swan Lake, Stefan stood center stage, embodying the strength,...
Read moreIntroduction For many athletes, sports start as a source of joy—a place where they can push their limits, build skills, and feel a sense of purpose. But for some, that passion fades, replaced by exhaustion, pressure, and a sense of obligation rather than love. Burnout in athletes is an all-too-common issue, yet it’s rarely talked about in the ways it should be. The same drive that makes someone a dedicated athlete can also become the Read more…
Introduction Children absorb the words spoken to them like sponges, especially when it comes to how they are perceived by others. When a child grows up hearing constant critiques about their body—whether it’s from parents, coaches, or society—they internalize those messages. Over time, these harmful words don’t just fade away; they become ingrained beliefs that follow them into adulthood, shaping how they view themselves and how they treat others. One of the most heartbreaking aspects Read more…
Ballet is often seen as the epitome of grace, discipline, and artistry. From its origins in the 15th-century Italian Renaissance courts to its modern-day prominence in elite theaters worldwide, ballet has always demanded perfection. However, alongside its beauty and prestige, there exists a dark undercurrent—one that has long been ingrained in the culture of dance: eating disorders. The expectation for ballerinas to maintain a certain body type has contributed to the normalization of disordered eating, Read more…
From the moment Aliyah first stepped onto the soccer field, she knew she had found her passion. She loved the rush of competition, the feeling of making a crucial save as a goalie, and the camaraderie that came with being part of a team. Soccer wasn’t just a sport to her—it was an identity, a source of pride. But as she moved up in competition, that pride started to feel more like pressure. Aliyah wasn’t Read more…
Introduction Athletes are often expected to fuel their bodies in ways that optimize their performance. However, the expectations surrounding food and body composition can vary drastically depending on the sport. While some sports emphasize strength and endurance, others prioritize leanness and aesthetics. These differing expectations can shape an athlete’s relationship with food, sometimes leading to unhealthy habits or even disordered eating. In this blog, we will explore how various sports impose unique dietary pressures and Read more…
Introduction When Clara submitted her story to our website, she did so with the hope that someone—another dancer, a young girl staring at her reflection in the studio mirror, or even a former ballerina still battling the ghosts of her past might read it and feel a little less alone. Clara started ballet when she was just five years old. At the time, dance was nothing more than a joyful escape; a place where she Read more…
Introduction For many dancers, the studio is a second home—a place of discipline, artistry, and passion. But for those struggling with eating disorders, it can also be a space filled with silent battles, unrealistic expectations, and constant self-criticism. The pressure to maintain a certain body type, the comparisons to others, and the unspoken rules of the dance world can make the road to recovery feel impossible. If you’re a dancer facing these struggles, know this: Read more…