The Dancer's Way: The New York City Ballet Guide to Mind, Body, and Nutrition

by Linda H. Hamilton, New York City Ballet

In the current dance scene, performers contend with choreography that involves extreme dance, multiple techniques, and acrobatic moves, exemplified in the popular reality television show, "So You Think You Can Dance." The dilemma for aspiring professionals is that dance class no longer provides sufficient preparation for performing at this level. Dancers who want to achieve their best, avoid injury, and perform at their peak will welcome the insight and advice in the pages of The Dancer's Way .

The world-renowned New York City Ballet developed their proven wellness program to help dancers reach their potential without compromising their health. As one of the key designers of this program, former dancer and clinical psychologist Linda Hamilton, Ph.D. provides the essential principles of wellness that will help you achieve your goals in all levels and forms of dance. These include keeping yourself physically healthy, nutritionally sound, and mentally prepared as a dancer. New York City Ballet's celebrated program, here for the first time in book form, highlights every tool you'll need to stay in great shape.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 23, 2008

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely indispensable for any performer, not just dancer. Stress, fitness, food--all the things a performer needs to improve their craft and stay healthy!

[eliza]

This isn't about technique; it's about everything else that comes with dance (e.g., injury prevention/recovery, time management, symmetrical cross-training), including issues of the ballerina personality type (e.g., perfectionism, dysmorphia, stress).

What I found most useful was shoe advice based on foot type. (Example: My feet are normal-arch Egyptian, which puts all the pressure on my big toe --> solution = dynamic box liner)

[Aein Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful guide, not only for dance pre-pro/professionals, but anyone interested in improving their knowledge of nutrition, stress management, the importance of cross-training and more. As a ballet aficionado, my only wish is that it went more in depth.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book, except the lack of knowledge about plant-based diets.

[Maeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancer and clinical phycologist Linda Hamilton (of the New York City Ballet) shares her dancer wellness program, which focuses on healthy work habits, cross-training activities, nutritious diets, and stress management techniques. Hamilton includes case studies to illustrate different aspects of the wellness program, as well as multiple appendixes to further aid dancers.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dancer's Way: The New York City Ballet Guide to Mind, Body, and Nutrition was a well-written book that contained information that I was unaware of. The author did her research. There was a huge section in the back full of references to other books and websites. Compared to the old days they sure coddle dancers today.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Easy to read and a good overview of injury prevention techniques, time management, the importance of cross-training, nutrition, and mental preparation. I found the techniques for dealing with stress, performance anxiety, and perfectionism really useful!

[Emily Kirik · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s really nice to have a book that solely focuses on the health and needs of dancers. I liked it a lot, but I wish each chapter and topic went more in depth.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful book. Looks at the dancer as a whole person and gives advice regarding how to maximize performance while preventing harmful habits, depression, and injury. There is also advice for the injured dancer, regarding recommended eating habits and mental preparation to return to dance (i.e. healing properly the first time is more important than rushing back). Good advice about picking the right shoe for your foot type.*

Obviously dancers will benefit the most from this book. However, I believe the chapter on eating properly contains advice relevant for anyone who is trying to either add muscle or manage their weight. Although I am not a professional dancer (or anywhere close to one), I'll be using Hamilton's cross-training advice in the interest of working some cardio into my fitness routine. While a dancer's intimate knowledge of their body can be a double edged sword, truly living in your body is admirable and a good philosophy for non-dancers as well.

*I learned that my foot type (broad and squarish, I affectionately call them "E.T. feet") is known as "Giselle" or "Peasant." Apparently that's ideal for a dancer. Who knew? Thanks feet for preparing me for a discipline I will never seriously pursue!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! A great resource to keep close by for frequent referencing! Gives an in-depth look into what makes NYCB dancers so successful and teaches you how to become the best you can be in dance while not just looking good, but actually becoming healthy and bringing your body to it`s fullest potential.

[Robyn]

Wish I would have discovered this book years ago -- although, it was just published last month! A wealth of useful information for dancers of all types. :-) Enjoying this book thoroughly!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as useful for me as I imagined it would be. But an excellent resource for a young, determined dancer.

[Madeline Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is something all aspiring ballet dancers should own. It is a help full guide for nutrition and treating your body right! Love it!!!:)