Margaret - from college dance major to professional with Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble and others
Freelance Professional in NYC - Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble - Equis Project - Choreographer
“Before this program, everything I did was with an eye toward losing weight. Not because anyone had told me I needed to, but because I thought looking like what I imagined a dancer to be would enable me to become that successful dancer. I tried to eat the fewest calories I could; I exercised to become skinny, not strong; I monitored my body constantly, checking my appearance in any reflection. It was all I thought about.
Even when my weight loss habits detrimentally impacted my dance training, I still felt that it was a necessary struggle. I did not trust my decisions, nor my body. I truly felt trapped.
Working with Nicole allowed me to challenge these harmful ideations. We began by focusing on how foods made me feel – energized, satisfied, etc. – and what health benefits they offered. Tuning into my own cravings let me prioritize my health over an imaginary ‘healthy person’. I learned that dark chocolate is helpful for brain function, kale gives me sustained energy, and protein throughout the day brings satiation. Finally, because of this work, I began listening to my own body again and building trust. Reconnecting to my meditation practice, using mindfulness in dance class, and developing positive self-talk all helped me feel like myself again.
The Nourished Dancer Wellness Program has given me confidence. Now when I work out, I focus on how I feel, the strength I have. In dance class I feel empowered to let go of unhelpful, negative thoughts and instead listen to the joy I get from moving. Because of the mindful eating habits learned from The Nourished Dancer Wellness Program, I can focus better in class and rehearsals, and train more effectively.
The word that best described my mentality before beginning The Nourished Dancer Wellness Program was fear. Now, that word is trust. And I think that says it all. Thank you, Nicole.”
-Margaret Brackey