Do Dancers Often Struggle With Eating Disorders? Hear from Registered Dietitian Dr Nasira-Burkholder-Cooley

Are you a dancer and you struggle with an eating disorder in San Diego, Southern California, or elsewhere? Do you have a child or family member who is in ballet or another type of dance and overly focuses on food, eating and body image? Dr Nasira Burkholder-Cooley, RD, is a nutritionist who specializes in dancers. Having a ballet background herself, she understands the unique challenges dancers face when they look at mirrors all day and feel pressure to achieve the “perfect dancer’s body.” I’ve been collaborating with Nasira for almost two years, and she is caring, compassionate, and dedicated to help people both in and outside of the dance/ballet world. I look forward to you getting to know her!

How long have you been an eating disorder dietitian?

I have been a registered dietitian since 2016 and have since worked with a diverse population of clients, including many eating disorder patients.

How long have you been working with eating disorders in California?

I have been working with eating disorder patients in California for approximately five years.

How did you begin specializing in treating eating disorders in dancers, especially ballerinas?

I am currently a private practice registered dietitian, nutritionist for the American Ballet Theater School and Chapman University School of Dance, and adjunct faculty member at Chapman University and AMDA College of Performing Arts. I am a former classical ballet dancer, trained at Pacific Northwest Ballet, the University of Arizona School of Dance, and the American Ballet Theater School.

When I began my undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona, I had no interest in pursuing anything but ballet. However, when I arrived on campus as a freshman, my parents suggested I add a second major so that I’d have a backup or at least a post-dance career option. My mom proposed nutritional science, and I thought it was a rational choice. Even then I recognized that nutrition could influence my dance performance. So, I began college as a dual major in dance and nutrition science. As a dancer, I had been exposed to a broad spectrum of individuals with disordered eating.

During my early teens many of my dance peers started expressing body dissatisfaction and showed signs of eating disorders. Prior to hearing comments from my fellow dancers about their body weight, as well as noticing their restrictive eating habits, I was unaware those issues existed. At the time, I was still growing, so my nutrition needs were even higher to support growth and development, and I couldn’t afford to skimp on calories or micronutrients.

Fortunately, my healthcare professional parents were cognizant and knowledgeable and were always aware of any deviations from my normal habits that might have put me on a road toward disordered eating. I think their attentiveness and encouragement spared me from falling into a full-blown eating disorder. My experiences in the dance world have allowed me to understand the pressure dancers face and the triggers, behaviors, and psychology of individuals with eating disorders.

What common struggles are particular to dancers when it comes to having an eating disorder?

Dancers need strength and stamina, which requires muscle, but also strive for a sleek and lean aesthetic look, which often drives dancers to try to achieve ideal body composition. Dancers are often high-achievers or perfectionists. Restrictive eating and dieting is a normalized and accepted practice among dancers. Dancers tend to under-eat and neglect long-term health, which compromises performance and contributes to injury.

Briefly, how do you address these issues?

• I aim to promote the philosophy that pursuing a successful dance profession should not promote perpetual stress or diet confusion.

• I often share with dancer clients that their training is unproductive if they aren’t properly fueled.

• I emphasize care of the body from the inside out with quality nutrition improves every aspect of dance training and performance, including physical strength and endurance, balance, flexibility, mental clarity and memory, emotional stability, and self confidence.

• I advocate a strong focus on gaining strength and skill as a dancer rather than focusing on body composition or ideal body weight.

How can people learn more about and contact you?

Learn more by visiting www.healthenpointe.com and explore the blog for useful information on nutrition, injury prevention, and wellness for dancers, athletes, and beyond.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?

I grew up on a small farm in Washington state and my early exposure to gardening and agriculture instilled my interest in growing produce and supporting a sustainable and nutritious food supply. I am a passionate cook and amateur baker. I am a mom to a spirited two-year-old daughter who loves to eat cucumbers and homemade cookies with equal enthusiasm.

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Thanks so much for reading my blog, everyone!

Dr. Marianne :)

Begin Working with A Binge Eating Therapist Through A Live Interactive Workshop, Masterclass for Binge Eating, or Via Online Therapy!

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*Disclaimer: This class is not therapy and should not replace professional eating disorder/binge eating treatment or medical advice. This educational group is for learning, discussion, and encouraging connection.