1100 a day, should I eat less
Replies
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FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »
It's not considered underweight by dancers or even their instructors. It's considered underweight by medical people, though.
The ballet world is fraught with women who have eating disorders and take drugs. When I first started learning about eating disorders (from people, not books), I went to the dancers because I knew some of them and I hoped they'd trust me enough to know I'd keep their secrets and that they'd care enough to tell me things that might help others. Most did.
Lord, God, did I learn a lot about ballet dancers and the crazy, messed-up world they inhabit. I get that you - and they - have to dance, it's in your blood, that's all you ever dreamed of, you will not be stopped, blah, blah, blah. I'm not even going to attempt to argue.
Those weights aren't very healthy, though. If you must be crazy enough to undereat (which you shouldn't!), at least see a doctor regularly and be checked for things that can go wrong when you undereat. Let them help you be the healthiest you can be.
If you haven't started on the drugs yet, do everything you can to stay off of them.
Dancing - I know it's what you live to do - it's not worth your health. When you see boxers getting punched and you see them later in life, all punch drunk, don't you think, "Winning wasn't worth that life!" You must. We all do. That's how everyone sees the dancers - everyone who knows what so many of them are doing. It's not worth it! (Okay, I said I wouldn't try to talk you out of it and I did. Sorry. Can't help myself.)
Don't start with the drugs. Everything that goes in should be HEALTHY! No booze, no candy, no junk. If you're under eating, AT LEAST put in good things. And no drugs! (You may be thinking, "Oh, I'd never!" but ha. So many dancers do - they didn't plan on it, either.)
See a doctor on a regular basis.
Take care.
I haven't tried any drugs and don't plan on it. Some of my friends take Zantex. Opinions?
Well they would be taking it to treat stomach ulcers. I'm actually quite concerned, not just for your health but the health of anyone under the care of this academy.
I don't think she is talking about Zantac. I think she is talking about Xanax but has the spelling wrong… Which is why I'm extremely concerned and as someone who is a mandated reporter by law, I am at the point where I want to know the name of this ballet school
No it is actually spelled Zantrex. They sell it at wallgreens.0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »DancingMoosie wrote: »I think the fiber might actually make you bloat?
Yes I wasn't quite clear on that, I was trying to suggest swapping high fiber foods (as they retain water) for other foods. In the short term it reduces some bloating, but it's not suitable for long term - it'd help drop a few lbs before having to do any qualifiers or anything.
There has been so many horror stories when it comes to ballet & the pressures of weight & ED development, I honestly thought all this bother was just 'back in my day' & that this kind of attitude from tutors had been stamped out. No-one ever should make you feel like you are not good enough.
So to reduce bloating? What should I do. And thank you I will definitely message you at a later date.
Eat plenty of foods high in water, drink lots of water, avoid high sodium foods, eat less high starch style foods (root vegetables) & replace them with less starchy foods (leaves like spinach or kale). Avoid high intensity exercise or more exercise than usual, use lots of herbs in your food instead of salt. Eat a ton of fruit - it's very low sodium & mostly very high in water. Remember there's nothing wrong with high sodium veggies & water retention isn't a bad thing.0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »
It's not considered underweight by dancers or even their instructors. It's considered underweight by medical people, though.
The ballet world is fraught with women who have eating disorders and take drugs. When I first started learning about eating disorders (from people, not books), I went to the dancers because I knew some of them and I hoped they'd trust me enough to know I'd keep their secrets and that they'd care enough to tell me things that might help others. Most did.
Lord, God, did I learn a lot about ballet dancers and the crazy, messed-up world they inhabit. I get that you - and they - have to dance, it's in your blood, that's all you ever dreamed of, you will not be stopped, blah, blah, blah. I'm not even going to attempt to argue.
Those weights aren't very healthy, though. If you must be crazy enough to undereat (which you shouldn't!), at least see a doctor regularly and be checked for things that can go wrong when you undereat. Let them help you be the healthiest you can be.
If you haven't started on the drugs yet, do everything you can to stay off of them.
Dancing - I know it's what you live to do - it's not worth your health. When you see boxers getting punched and you see them later in life, all punch drunk, don't you think, "Winning wasn't worth that life!" You must. We all do. That's how everyone sees the dancers - everyone who knows what so many of them are doing. It's not worth it! (Okay, I said I wouldn't try to talk you out of it and I did. Sorry. Can't help myself.)
Don't start with the drugs. Everything that goes in should be HEALTHY! No booze, no candy, no junk. If you're under eating, AT LEAST put in good things. And no drugs! (You may be thinking, "Oh, I'd never!" but ha. So many dancers do - they didn't plan on it, either.)
See a doctor on a regular basis.
Take care.
I haven't tried any drugs and don't plan on it. Some of my friends take Zantex. Opinions?
Well they would be taking it to treat stomach ulcers. I'm actually quite concerned, not just for your health but the health of anyone under the care of this academy.
I don't think she is talking about Zantac. I think she is talking about Xanax but has the spelling wrong… Which is why I'm extremely concerned and as someone who is a mandated reporter by law, I am at the point where I want to know the name of this ballet school
No it is actually spelled Zantrex. They sell it at wallgreens.
Ah, a weight loss pill. Weight loss pills don't work. They are a gimmick and can have quite unpleasant side effects.0 -
candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
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bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »
It's not considered underweight by dancers or even their instructors. It's considered underweight by medical people, though.
The ballet world is fraught with women who have eating disorders and take drugs. When I first started learning about eating disorders (from people, not books), I went to the dancers because I knew some of them and I hoped they'd trust me enough to know I'd keep their secrets and that they'd care enough to tell me things that might help others. Most did.
Lord, God, did I learn a lot about ballet dancers and the crazy, messed-up world they inhabit. I get that you - and they - have to dance, it's in your blood, that's all you ever dreamed of, you will not be stopped, blah, blah, blah. I'm not even going to attempt to argue.
Those weights aren't very healthy, though. If you must be crazy enough to undereat (which you shouldn't!), at least see a doctor regularly and be checked for things that can go wrong when you undereat. Let them help you be the healthiest you can be.
If you haven't started on the drugs yet, do everything you can to stay off of them.
Dancing - I know it's what you live to do - it's not worth your health. When you see boxers getting punched and you see them later in life, all punch drunk, don't you think, "Winning wasn't worth that life!" You must. We all do. That's how everyone sees the dancers - everyone who knows what so many of them are doing. It's not worth it! (Okay, I said I wouldn't try to talk you out of it and I did. Sorry. Can't help myself.)
Don't start with the drugs. Everything that goes in should be HEALTHY! No booze, no candy, no junk. If you're under eating, AT LEAST put in good things. And no drugs! (You may be thinking, "Oh, I'd never!" but ha. So many dancers do - they didn't plan on it, either.)
See a doctor on a regular basis.
Take care.
I haven't tried any drugs and don't plan on it. Some of my friends take Zantex. Opinions?
Well they would be taking it to treat stomach ulcers. I'm actually quite concerned, not just for your health but the health of anyone under the care of this academy.
I don't think she is talking about Zantac. I think she is talking about Xanax but has the spelling wrong… Which is why I'm extremely concerned and as someone who is a mandated reporter by law, I am at the point where I want to know the name of this ballet school
No it is actually spelled Zantrex. They sell it at wallgreens.
Christ that's a high caffine "weight loss" pill.
Document absolutely everything from these people and go to the media, honestly this is insane.0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but you only get to live once. If they are forcing you to do things that put your life in danger, it is not worth dancing there. You need to realize that.0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »
It's not considered underweight by dancers or even their instructors. It's considered underweight by medical people, though.
The ballet world is fraught with women who have eating disorders and take drugs. When I first started learning about eating disorders (from people, not books), I went to the dancers because I knew some of them and I hoped they'd trust me enough to know I'd keep their secrets and that they'd care enough to tell me things that might help others. Most did.
Lord, God, did I learn a lot about ballet dancers and the crazy, messed-up world they inhabit. I get that you - and they - have to dance, it's in your blood, that's all you ever dreamed of, you will not be stopped, blah, blah, blah. I'm not even going to attempt to argue.
Those weights aren't very healthy, though. If you must be crazy enough to undereat (which you shouldn't!), at least see a doctor regularly and be checked for things that can go wrong when you undereat. Let them help you be the healthiest you can be.
If you haven't started on the drugs yet, do everything you can to stay off of them.
Dancing - I know it's what you live to do - it's not worth your health. When you see boxers getting punched and you see them later in life, all punch drunk, don't you think, "Winning wasn't worth that life!" You must. We all do. That's how everyone sees the dancers - everyone who knows what so many of them are doing. It's not worth it! (Okay, I said I wouldn't try to talk you out of it and I did. Sorry. Can't help myself.)
Don't start with the drugs. Everything that goes in should be HEALTHY! No booze, no candy, no junk. If you're under eating, AT LEAST put in good things. And no drugs! (You may be thinking, "Oh, I'd never!" but ha. So many dancers do - they didn't plan on it, either.)
See a doctor on a regular basis.
Take care.
I haven't tried any drugs and don't plan on it. Some of my friends take Zantex. Opinions?
Well they would be taking it to treat stomach ulcers. I'm actually quite concerned, not just for your health but the health of anyone under the care of this academy.
I don't think she is talking about Zantac. I think she is talking about Xanax but has the spelling wrong… Which is why I'm extremely concerned and as someone who is a mandated reporter by law, I am at the point where I want to know the name of this ballet school
No it is actually spelled Zantrex. They sell it at wallgreens.
Christ that's a high caffine "weight loss" pill.
Document absolutely everything from these people and go to the media, honestly this is insane.
The academy does not suggest this pill. A friend of mine told me about it. The studio does not promote unhealthy methods of weight-loss like diet pills.
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That right there screams that they don't have your best interest at heart. Anyone who cares for your health will tell you to seek second or possibly third unbiased professional opinions. Seek a doctor not on their list, without their knowledge. Hear a professional tell you what we are all saying and keep the documents from both the doctors they take you to and the ones you go to see privately. You don't have to tell them. But when they suggest you lose weight, you can tell them no. You will still have those documents should an issue arise that requires legal assistance.bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »I might mention I'm a serous ballet dancer and I have no option
My sister is on the United States Dance Team and she has never been forced to lose weight.
I think it's time to find a new dance studio.
I have auditioned, been accepted to, and currently train at one of the top ballet academies in the United States
Who is forcing you to lose weight? And how old are you?
I turned 18 on Nov. 26th. And my teachers have suggested it and it will show on my scores from the evaluations they give me in a month.
So your teachers are advocating for being underweight? Are you aware of the dangers of under-eating?
Weakness
Dizziness
Fainting
Deficiency in essential vitamins
Low blood pressure
Difficulty focusing
More like hopefully suggesting. I am fully aware. Am I am conscious on keeping myself healthy enough to pursue dance
You need to speak to your parents about this. What your teachers are doing is unethical and could result in various legal matters.
If you want to keep yourself healthy, you should be eating closer to 2000+ calories a day and NOT trying to lose weight.
I will talk to the nutritionist they provide
I'm a qualified nutritionist.
If you want to continue putting yourself at risk then it's up to you to sort out your priorities. You have the facts in front of you, continuing in this manner will put your long term health at risk, and your dancing will certainly suffer. IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A HEALTHY BODY & a healthy relationship with food then we on the forums can help you, but if you really want to continue ignoring the risks, then we will keep reminding you of them.
Bottom line, what you're doing is bad for you.
It is comforting to know you are a nutritionist. Maybe you could help get me on the right track since I'm clearly lost.
Well right from the off I would strongly suggest confronting anyone who tells you or implied that you need to lose weight. You are clearly passionate about ballet, having got into a good academy & you want to ensure you're at your absolute healthiest - the best way to ensure that is to maintain energy, by eating way closer or over 2000kcal depending on your activity levels. I would also suggest not seeing their nutritionist, but to speak to your GP, and ask if they could refer you to a dietician or nutritionist - this will remove any possible bias on the academy's behalf.
The most important thing to maintain is your own health, it will ensure you have a long term career in dance.
How should I approach them? I live in the dorms at this academy so any doctor I see will be through the ballet. They make the appointments and they take you. So I hope I can contact you for further advice.
You are 18, right? Legally, they cannot make you see any doctor you do not want to. And you don't have to tell them you are going to one either.
Yes. I just fear they would be mad if they found out I went to an outside doctor. I did this when I had foot surgery and they weren't too happy after.
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bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »
It's not considered underweight by dancers or even their instructors. It's considered underweight by medical people, though.
The ballet world is fraught with women who have eating disorders and take drugs. When I first started learning about eating disorders (from people, not books), I went to the dancers because I knew some of them and I hoped they'd trust me enough to know I'd keep their secrets and that they'd care enough to tell me things that might help others. Most did.
Lord, God, did I learn a lot about ballet dancers and the crazy, messed-up world they inhabit. I get that you - and they - have to dance, it's in your blood, that's all you ever dreamed of, you will not be stopped, blah, blah, blah. I'm not even going to attempt to argue.
Those weights aren't very healthy, though. If you must be crazy enough to undereat (which you shouldn't!), at least see a doctor regularly and be checked for things that can go wrong when you undereat. Let them help you be the healthiest you can be.
If you haven't started on the drugs yet, do everything you can to stay off of them.
Dancing - I know it's what you live to do - it's not worth your health. When you see boxers getting punched and you see them later in life, all punch drunk, don't you think, "Winning wasn't worth that life!" You must. We all do. That's how everyone sees the dancers - everyone who knows what so many of them are doing. It's not worth it! (Okay, I said I wouldn't try to talk you out of it and I did. Sorry. Can't help myself.)
Don't start with the drugs. Everything that goes in should be HEALTHY! No booze, no candy, no junk. If you're under eating, AT LEAST put in good things. And no drugs! (You may be thinking, "Oh, I'd never!" but ha. So many dancers do - they didn't plan on it, either.)
See a doctor on a regular basis.
Take care.
I haven't tried any drugs and don't plan on it. Some of my friends take Zantex. Opinions?
Well they would be taking it to treat stomach ulcers. I'm actually quite concerned, not just for your health but the health of anyone under the care of this academy.
I don't think she is talking about Zantac. I think she is talking about Xanax but has the spelling wrong… Which is why I'm extremely concerned and as someone who is a mandated reporter by law, I am at the point where I want to know the name of this ballet school
No it is actually spelled Zantrex. They sell it at wallgreens.
Christ that's a high caffine "weight loss" pill.
Document absolutely everything from these people and go to the media, honestly this is insane.
The academy does not suggest this pill. A friend of mine told me about it. The studio does not promote unhealthy methods of weight-loss like diet pills.
But they promote under-eating which is even worse.0 -
No.steebsthegreat wrote:Eating less than 1200 calories a day puts your body into starvation mode.
Starvation mode comes from a long-term VLCD, such as someone being anorexic, or in a famine area (parts of Africa), or a concentration camp (Germany).
After the body runs out of glucose & glycogen (carbs), it burns fat. Actually, it burns some fat alongside the carbs, that's how we can healthfully lose weight, but it prefers carbs.
When both carbs & fat are gone, or nearly so, the body starts using muscle. The conversion to carbs (useful energy) is inefficient, so this is a distant 3rd (4th) choice. It's a Hail Mary where the body is hoping you'll find food before you lose so much muscle that your heart & diaphragm stop working & you die.
I'd think that for a dancer or athlete having muscle (and plenty of it, healthy & useful) would be of paramount importance, so I don't understand deliberately starving yourself & losing muscle, losing nutrients, etc.
BTW, if someone is below average height, it may be perfectly healthy for them to eat below 1000 calories. I have someone on my friends list who is something like 4'9", and I think she's aiming for 800 calories per day.
Well, yeah, that's what it always does. But it's not like it holds them. It has to burn calories in order to run, to live. So it takes calories (energy) from wherever it can get it. When there's not enough coming in, it burns what's in the body. That's what most of us are doing in a healthy, controlled way, to burn fat & lose weight.Your body starts grabbing on to each and every calorie it possibly can.
Yes, this. To be healthy & do what you love well you need to have nutrients, including calories.You will become malnourished, your body will become weak, and I promise your dancing will actually suffer because your body will start breaking down muscle to compensate.
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This thread....
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bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »
It's not considered underweight by dancers or even their instructors. It's considered underweight by medical people, though.
The ballet world is fraught with women who have eating disorders and take drugs. When I first started learning about eating disorders (from people, not books), I went to the dancers because I knew some of them and I hoped they'd trust me enough to know I'd keep their secrets and that they'd care enough to tell me things that might help others. Most did.
Lord, God, did I learn a lot about ballet dancers and the crazy, messed-up world they inhabit. I get that you - and they - have to dance, it's in your blood, that's all you ever dreamed of, you will not be stopped, blah, blah, blah. I'm not even going to attempt to argue.
Those weights aren't very healthy, though. If you must be crazy enough to undereat (which you shouldn't!), at least see a doctor regularly and be checked for things that can go wrong when you undereat. Let them help you be the healthiest you can be.
If you haven't started on the drugs yet, do everything you can to stay off of them.
Dancing - I know it's what you live to do - it's not worth your health. When you see boxers getting punched and you see them later in life, all punch drunk, don't you think, "Winning wasn't worth that life!" You must. We all do. That's how everyone sees the dancers - everyone who knows what so many of them are doing. It's not worth it! (Okay, I said I wouldn't try to talk you out of it and I did. Sorry. Can't help myself.)
Don't start with the drugs. Everything that goes in should be HEALTHY! No booze, no candy, no junk. If you're under eating, AT LEAST put in good things. And no drugs! (You may be thinking, "Oh, I'd never!" but ha. So many dancers do - they didn't plan on it, either.)
See a doctor on a regular basis.
Take care.
I haven't tried any drugs and don't plan on it. Some of my friends take Zantex. Opinions?
xanax? that's for anxiety. it isn't that strong of a drug. i don't like it myself because it puts my head in a fog, but doesn't set off alarms to me.
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bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
It's good that you're happy where you are, but you need to be in charge of your own health, especially as you are an adult - they should not be pressuring you into health decisions like that & they are acting extremely authoritarian when it comes to you seeing medical professionals, seemingly they have something to hide. Outstanding dancers need outstandingly healthy bodies to perform the way they do, it's an amazing commitment.0 -
FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but you only get to live once. If they are forcing you to do things that put your life in danger, it is not worth dancing there. You need to realize that.
It's more of the pressure of competition and influences of friends that drove me to unhealthy behaviors. Not the academy itself. It's just the cold truth that the academy (as well as other top schools) normally pick, promote, and praise the thinner ones.0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »
It's not considered underweight by dancers or even their instructors. It's considered underweight by medical people, though.
The ballet world is fraught with women who have eating disorders and take drugs. When I first started learning about eating disorders (from people, not books), I went to the dancers because I knew some of them and I hoped they'd trust me enough to know I'd keep their secrets and that they'd care enough to tell me things that might help others. Most did.
Lord, God, did I learn a lot about ballet dancers and the crazy, messed-up world they inhabit. I get that you - and they - have to dance, it's in your blood, that's all you ever dreamed of, you will not be stopped, blah, blah, blah. I'm not even going to attempt to argue.
Those weights aren't very healthy, though. If you must be crazy enough to undereat (which you shouldn't!), at least see a doctor regularly and be checked for things that can go wrong when you undereat. Let them help you be the healthiest you can be.
If you haven't started on the drugs yet, do everything you can to stay off of them.
Dancing - I know it's what you live to do - it's not worth your health. When you see boxers getting punched and you see them later in life, all punch drunk, don't you think, "Winning wasn't worth that life!" You must. We all do. That's how everyone sees the dancers - everyone who knows what so many of them are doing. It's not worth it! (Okay, I said I wouldn't try to talk you out of it and I did. Sorry. Can't help myself.)
Don't start with the drugs. Everything that goes in should be HEALTHY! No booze, no candy, no junk. If you're under eating, AT LEAST put in good things. And no drugs! (You may be thinking, "Oh, I'd never!" but ha. So many dancers do - they didn't plan on it, either.)
See a doctor on a regular basis.
Take care.
I haven't tried any drugs and don't plan on it. Some of my friends take Zantex. Opinions?
Well they would be taking it to treat stomach ulcers. I'm actually quite concerned, not just for your health but the health of anyone under the care of this academy.
I don't think she is talking about Zantac. I think she is talking about Xanax but has the spelling wrong… Which is why I'm extremely concerned and as someone who is a mandated reporter by law, I am at the point where I want to know the name of this ballet school
No it is actually spelled Zantrex. They sell it at wallgreens.
Christ that's a high caffine "weight loss" pill.
Document absolutely everything from these people and go to the media, honestly this is insane.
The academy does not suggest this pill. A friend of mine told me about it. The studio does not promote unhealthy methods of weight-loss like diet pills.
Then it might be an idea to make sure they're aware that a few people are taking them (not naming any names ofc!!) that way they can at least help to make sure people are aware that it is unhealthy to do so. If the academy really cares about the health of it's dancers then it sure be ensuring they are not pressured into weight loss, it's one of the biggest problems the dancing community has.0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »
It's not considered underweight by dancers or even their instructors. It's considered underweight by medical people, though.
The ballet world is fraught with women who have eating disorders and take drugs. When I first started learning about eating disorders (from people, not books), I went to the dancers because I knew some of them and I hoped they'd trust me enough to know I'd keep their secrets and that they'd care enough to tell me things that might help others. Most did.
Lord, God, did I learn a lot about ballet dancers and the crazy, messed-up world they inhabit. I get that you - and they - have to dance, it's in your blood, that's all you ever dreamed of, you will not be stopped, blah, blah, blah. I'm not even going to attempt to argue.
Those weights aren't very healthy, though. If you must be crazy enough to undereat (which you shouldn't!), at least see a doctor regularly and be checked for things that can go wrong when you undereat. Let them help you be the healthiest you can be.
If you haven't started on the drugs yet, do everything you can to stay off of them.
Dancing - I know it's what you live to do - it's not worth your health. When you see boxers getting punched and you see them later in life, all punch drunk, don't you think, "Winning wasn't worth that life!" You must. We all do. That's how everyone sees the dancers - everyone who knows what so many of them are doing. It's not worth it! (Okay, I said I wouldn't try to talk you out of it and I did. Sorry. Can't help myself.)
Don't start with the drugs. Everything that goes in should be HEALTHY! No booze, no candy, no junk. If you're under eating, AT LEAST put in good things. And no drugs! (You may be thinking, "Oh, I'd never!" but ha. So many dancers do - they didn't plan on it, either.)
See a doctor on a regular basis.
Take care.
I haven't tried any drugs and don't plan on it. Some of my friends take Zantex. Opinions?
Well they would be taking it to treat stomach ulcers. I'm actually quite concerned, not just for your health but the health of anyone under the care of this academy.
I don't think she is talking about Zantac. I think she is talking about Xanax but has the spelling wrong… Which is why I'm extremely concerned and as someone who is a mandated reporter by law, I am at the point where I want to know the name of this ballet school
No it is actually spelled Zantrex. They sell it at wallgreens.
ooooh, then no idea.0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
Again, your body has to carry you far past this career. I'm not saying bash them now. But if they urge that you lose weight and you don't, what happens? Will they kick you out, stop giving you leads? Treat you differently? Threaten to give you a bad rep? If so, you will need legal runs if that happens and documenting their general abuse (encouraging someone to starve themselves qualifies as abuse) will keep them from further subjecting you to their manipulations. Because clearly, they don't care one iota about your life or your health.0 -
candacefausset wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
Again, your body has to carry you far past this career. I'm not saying bash them now. But if they urge that you lose weight and you don't, what happens? Will they kick you out, stop giving you leads? Treat you differently? Threaten to give you a bad rep? If so, you will need legal runs if that happens and documenting their general abuse (encouraging someone to starve themselves qualifies as abuse) will keep them from further subjecting you to their manipulations. Because clearly, they don't care one iota about your life or your health.
I second this so hard, all of this.0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but you only get to live once. If they are forcing you to do things that put your life in danger, it is not worth dancing there. You need to realize that.
It's more of the pressure of competition and influences of friends that drove me to unhealthy behaviors. Not the academy itself. It's just the cold truth that the academy (as well as other top schools) normally pick, promote, and praise the thinner ones.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where the unhealthy behaviors came from. It still goes back to the academy and what they expect from their dancers. This is why eating disorders are so common amongst the dance community.
I sincerely hope you seek the professional help you so desperately need before you spiral down a tunnel that is extremely difficult to pull yourself out of.
0 -
candacefausset wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
Again, your body has to carry you far past this career. I'm not saying bash them now. But if they urge that you lose weight and you don't, what happens? Will they kick you out, stop giving you leads? Treat you differently? Threaten to give you a bad rep? If so, you will need legal runs if that happens and documenting their general abuse (encouraging someone to starve themselves qualifies as abuse) will keep them from further subjecting you to their manipulations. Because clearly, they don't care one iota about your life or your health.
I second this so hard, all of this.
One of my friends parents (who has a serious ED) is suing them. I think they may start to make changes in the upcoming semester or for the SI
0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
Again, your body has to carry you far past this career. I'm not saying bash them now. But if they urge that you lose weight and you don't, what happens? Will they kick you out, stop giving you leads? Treat you differently? Threaten to give you a bad rep? If so, you will need legal runs if that happens and documenting their general abuse (encouraging someone to starve themselves qualifies as abuse) will keep them from further subjecting you to their manipulations. Because clearly, they don't care one iota about your life or your health.
I second this so hard, all of this.
One of my friends parents (who has a serious ED) is suing them. I think they may start to make changes in the upcoming semester or for the SI
If someone files a lawsuit against them, they will no longer be open. They will be forced to shut down... Which is honestly best for you and the other dancers.0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
Again, your body has to carry you far past this career. I'm not saying bash them now. But if they urge that you lose weight and you don't, what happens? Will they kick you out, stop giving you leads? Treat you differently? Threaten to give you a bad rep? If so, you will need legal runs if that happens and documenting their general abuse (encouraging someone to starve themselves qualifies as abuse) will keep them from further subjecting you to their manipulations. Because clearly, they don't care one iota about your life or your health.
I second this so hard, all of this.
One of my friends parents (who has a serious ED) is suing them. I think they may start to make changes in the upcoming semester or for the SI
If someone has grounds to sue them like that, then this implies they have reasonable evidence that the academy is responsible in large part for the development of that ED; this in itself should be a massive red flag to you that they do not have your health in mind, only your short term performance statistic adding to their list of how good x dancers where when they left this academy.0 -
I have started a journal express emotions as this discussion surfaced some disregarded issues. I actually used to try to throw up but then realized that is pointless and will only harm you in the long run. I will try to become a healthy dancer and still remain a good one.FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but you only get to live once. If they are forcing you to do things that put your life in danger, it is not worth dancing there. You need to realize that.
It's more of the pressure of competition and influences of friends that drove me to unhealthy behaviors. Not the academy itself. It's just the cold truth that the academy (as well as other top schools) normally pick, promote, and praise the thinner ones.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where the unhealthy behaviors came from. It still goes back to the academy and what they expect from their dancers. This is why eating disorders are so common amongst the dance community.
I sincerely hope you seek the professional help you so desperately need before you spiral down a tunnel that is extremely difficult to pull yourself out of.
0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »
I have started a journal express emotions as this discussion surfaced some disregarded issues. I actually used to try to throw up but then realized that is pointless and will only harm you in the long run. I will try to become a healthy dancer and still remain a good one.FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but you only get to live once. If they are forcing you to do things that put your life in danger, it is not worth dancing there. You need to realize that.
It's more of the pressure of competition and influences of friends that drove me to unhealthy behaviors. Not the academy itself. It's just the cold truth that the academy (as well as other top schools) normally pick, promote, and praise the thinner ones.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where the unhealthy behaviors came from. It still goes back to the academy and what they expect from their dancers. This is why eating disorders are so common amongst the dance community.
I sincerely hope you seek the professional help you so desperately need before you spiral down a tunnel that is extremely difficult to pull yourself out of.
.0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »
I have started a journal express emotions as this discussion surfaced some disregarded issues. I actually used to try to throw up but then realized that is pointless and will only harm you in the long run. I will try to become a healthy dancer and still remain a good one.FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but you only get to live once. If they are forcing you to do things that put your life in danger, it is not worth dancing there. You need to realize that.
It's more of the pressure of competition and influences of friends that drove me to unhealthy behaviors. Not the academy itself. It's just the cold truth that the academy (as well as other top schools) normally pick, promote, and praise the thinner ones.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where the unhealthy behaviors came from. It still goes back to the academy and what they expect from their dancers. This is why eating disorders are so common amongst the dance community.
I sincerely hope you seek the professional help you so desperately need before you spiral down a tunnel that is extremely difficult to pull yourself out of.
I don't mean to be forward, but i'd like to direct you here: http://www.b-eat.co.uk/get-help/
I know they're UK based, but they provide live 1-1 chats & they have seriously helped me a great deal during my recovery.0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »
I have started a journal express emotions as this discussion surfaced some disregarded issues. I actually used to try to throw up but then realized that is pointless and will only harm you in the long run. I will try to become a healthy dancer and still remain a good one.FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but you only get to live once. If they are forcing you to do things that put your life in danger, it is not worth dancing there. You need to realize that.
It's more of the pressure of competition and influences of friends that drove me to unhealthy behaviors. Not the academy itself. It's just the cold truth that the academy (as well as other top schools) normally pick, promote, and praise the thinner ones.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where the unhealthy behaviors came from. It still goes back to the academy and what they expect from their dancers. This is why eating disorders are so common amongst the dance community.
I sincerely hope you seek the professional help you so desperately need before you spiral down a tunnel that is extremely difficult to pull yourself out of.
I don't mean to be forward, but i'd like to direct you here: http://www.b-eat.co.uk/get-help/
I know they're UK based, but they provide live 1-1 chats & they have seriously helped me a great deal during my recovery.
And to add to this, please tell a trusted adult that you are experiencing disordered thoughts so they can guide you to the appropriate help in your area. The best option is a psychiatrist/psychologist who specializes in eating disorders.0 -
bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »I might mention I'm a serous ballet dancer and I have no option
My sister is on the United States Dance Team and she has never been forced to lose weight.
I think it's time to find a new dance studio.
I have auditioned, been accepted to, and currently train at one of the top ballet academies in the United States
Who is forcing you to lose weight? And how old are you?
I turned 18 on Nov. 26th. And my teachers have suggested it and it will show on my scores from the evaluations they give me in a month.bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »I might mention I'm a serous ballet dancer and I have no option
My sister is on the United States Dance Team and she has never been forced to lose weight.
I think it's time to find a new dance studio.
I have auditioned, been accepted to, and currently train at one of the top ballet academies in the United States
Who is forcing you to lose weight? And how old are you?
I turned 18 on Nov. 26th. And my teachers have suggested it and it will show on my scores from the evaluations they give me in a month.
So your teachers are advocating for being underweight? Are you aware of the dangers of under-eating?
Weakness
Dizziness
Fainting
Deficiency in essential vitamins
Low blood pressure
Difficulty focusing
More like hopefully suggesting. I am fully aware. Am I am conscious on keeping myself healthy enough to pursue dance
You need to speak to your parents about this. What your teachers are doing is unethical and could result in various legal matters.
If you want to keep yourself healthy, you should be eating closer to 2000+ calories a day and NOT trying to lose weight.
I will talk to the nutritionist they provide
I'm a qualified nutritionist.
If you want to continue putting yourself at risk then it's up to you to sort out your priorities. You have the facts in front of you, continuing in this manner will put your long term health at risk, and your dancing will certainly suffer. IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A HEALTHY BODY & a healthy relationship with food then we on the forums can help you, but if you really want to continue ignoring the risks, then we will keep reminding you of them.
Bottom line, what you're doing is bad for you.
It is comforting to know you are a nutritionist. Maybe you could help get me on the right track since I'm clearly lost.
Well right from the off I would strongly suggest confronting anyone who tells you or implied that you need to lose weight. You are clearly passionate about ballet, having got into a good academy & you want to ensure you're at your absolute healthiest - the best way to ensure that is to maintain energy, by eating way closer or over 2000kcal depending on your activity levels. I would also suggest not seeing their nutritionist, but to speak to your GP, and ask if they could refer you to a dietician or nutritionist - this will remove any possible bias on the academy's behalf.
The most important thing to maintain is your own health, it will ensure you have a long term career in dance.
How should I approach them? I live in the dorms at this academy so any doctor I see will be through the ballet. They make the appointments and they take you. So I hope I can contact you for further advice.
You are 18, right? Legally, they cannot make you see any doctor you do not want to. And you don't have to tell them you are going to one either.
Yes. I just fear they would be mad if they found out I went to an outside doctor. I did this when I had foot surgery and they weren't too happy after.bigdancer2000 wrote: »FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »bigdancer2000 wrote: »candacefausset wrote: »What academy is this that is so strict that they are acting as guardian to you? If you approach them about your concerns and they threaten you in any way, make sure and document everything and go to the media with it. In fact, I would document everything now, just in case.
I am not bashing the academy I am at what so ever. They have actually made me the dancer I am and I am very thankful of that. They are known for producing outstanding dancers and I don't want to ruin that. Grateful I have the opportunity to train there
It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but you only get to live once. If they are forcing you to do things that put your life in danger, it is not worth dancing there. You need to realize that.
It's more of the pressure of competition and influences of friends that drove me to unhealthy behaviors. Not the academy itself. It's just the cold truth that the academy (as well as other top schools) normally pick, promote, and praise the thinner ones.
So the teachers were encouraging you to lose weight but it's not really the academy driving dancers to unhealthy behavior? They highly discourage you from seeing any other doctor than their own? I say this sincerely from a place of concern, you have to get your mentality about this going in a completely different direction. It was not just your friends. The academy is more guilty than any of the peer pressure and competitive behavior. They are taking advantage of their status and seniority to twist the mindsets of young adults with ideals that are unapproachable and unsafe. You are idolizing a horrible system for what you think they can make out of you. I guarantee if you are great, you will be great regardless of them. You have to learn to tell people no in life when they are wrong, or when they are silent around other wrongs. If you don't they will trample all over you. YOU have to say no. Because very few people out there will do it for you.0 -
Even if the studio is paying the bill, the doctor has a legal duty to provide you with competent medical advice. If you feel the doctor is deviating from providing competent advice, you can report him/her to the state medical board. They usually take this seriously because a reprimand on the doctor's license will usually prevent the doctor from ever getting another job. The doctor also has a duty of confidentiality and cannot inform the studio what you discussed or why you visited.0
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I would like to close this discussion with the point that the academy will be talked to and the process of installing more appropriate means for confronting dancers has occurred.0
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Dear Posters,
I wanted to provide a brief explanation for locking this topic and my heartfelt thanks to all of the respectful guidance offered in this discussion.
The forum guidelines include this item:
3. No Promotion of Unsafe Weight-Loss Techniques or Eating Disorders
a) Posts intended to promote potentially unsafe or controversial weight loss products or procedures, including non-medically prescribed supplements or MLM products will be removed without warning.
b) Profiles, groups, messages, posts, or wall comments that encourage anorexia, bulimia, or very low calorie diets of any kind will be removed, and may be grounds for account deletion. This includes positive references to ana/mia, purging, or self-starving. Our goal is to provide users with the tools to achieve their weight management goals at a steady, sustainable rate. Use of the site to promote or glamorize dangerously low levels of eating is not permitted.
c) Photos intended to glamorize extreme thinness will be deleted.
d) Those seeking support in their recovery from eating disorders are welcome at MyFitnessPal.
If you would like to review the forum guidelines, please visit the following link:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/welcome/guidelines
At our discretion, this locked thread may be deleted entirely in the near future.
With respect,
Olivia
MyFitnessPal Community Manager0
This discussion has been closed.
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