Ever wondered if a nutrition workshop could actually make a difference for dancers—or if it’s just another “nice-to-have” studio event? While poorly designed workshops can do more harm than good, evidence-based nutrition education can protect dancers from diet culture, support performance, and promote a healthy relationship with food. In this episode, Rachel Fine breaks down what makes a workshop truly effective for dancers.

You’ll learn:
✅ Why nutrition education matters for dancer performance, recovery, and long-term health
✅ The risks of workshops led by unqualified presenters and how they can impact dancers
✅ Signs your studio or program may benefit from a dance nutrition workshop
✅ Key topics covered in a supportive, evidence-based workshop for dancers
✅ How studios, parents, and educators can proactively nurture a healthy food environment

📅 Perfect for: dancers, studio owners, dance educators, and parents looking to implement or improve dance nutrition education programs.

📖 Read the full blog: https://dancenutrition.com/dance-nutrition-workshops/

📲 Follow on Instagram: @ToThePointeNutrition

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube: Nutrition for Dancers

🎙️ Listen on Apple + Spotify: Nutrition for Dancers with The Dance Nutritionist® Podcast

Rachel Fine, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and Certified Counselor of Intuitive Eating works with dancers to help them build supportive relationships with both food and body. 

Disclaimer: This is produced for informational purposes only. This information is general, not specific to you. The information in this podcast does not substitute for medical advice. The viewer assumes full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional regarding health conditions or concerns, and before starting a new diet or health program.

Timestamps ⬇️ (Skip to the section you need!)

0:00 – Introduction: First Nutrition Workshop Experience
Rachel recalls attending her first dance nutrition workshop in, which sparked her awareness of nutrition in dance.

0:19 – Meet Rachel, RDN for Dancers
A registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of To the Pointe Nutrition.

0:31 – Importance of Food in Dance Performance
Myths and antiquated ideals surrounding dancers’ nutrition.

1:00 – Starting Dance Nutrition Workshops (2013)
How giving workshops to studios and companies became one of her first roles as a dietitian.

1:34 – Personal Experience with Clean Eating
Early exposure to clean eating led to a year-long struggle with disordered eating.

2:27 – Career Shift to Dietitian for Dancers
Recognizing unsustainable habits led Rachel to pursue a career in dance nutrition.

2:52 – Importance of Educating Dancers in Vulnerable Settings
Why summer intensives and competitive environments are high-risk for disordered eating.

3:45 – Signs a Studio is Ready for a Nutrition Workshop
Restricted eating patterns, skipping snacks, chatting about diets, fatigue, and stress fractures.

5:54 – Education as Prevention
Proactive nutrition education as a key tool for promoting sustainable habits.

6:23 – Workshop Content Overview
The Healthy Dancer® Framework: dismantling diet culture, meal planning, balance, and intuitive eating for dancers.

7:20 – Proactive Meal Planning and Macronutrient Balance
How dancers can eat sufficiently, regularly, and incorporate all macronutrients while dismantling fear around certain foods.

8:19 – Hosting a Workshop: Considerations
Customizing workshops to the dancers’ age, level, and studio environment.

9:10 – Credentials Matter
Stresses using licensed professionals— registered dietitians, for dance nutrition education.

10:03 – Summary

Key points: signs for hosting workshops, content coverage, customization, and relying on credentials