Nutrition, bone health, and the young dancer

Abstract

Optimized bone health is a dynamic process that utilizes hormonal, nutritional, and biomechanical balance. For those who dance recreationally and in particular as young professionals, healthy bones become especially important given the demands of dance training. An imbalance in one of the areas noted above creates a progression of health challenges that ultimately affect dance performance. A well-balanced diet is a key modifiable factor available to young dancers to aid in their physical and artistic maturation. Diets rich in calcium and adequate amounts of vitamin D from the diet and controlled exposure to the sun enhance the positive effect dancing has on bone development. Thus, choosing to eat healthily while balancing dancing with normal childhood activities provides an opportunity for young dancers to grow into strong mature dancers of the future.