Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 1/14/2008

Question
Hi i have been in ballet for a long time almost 9 years now and i am only thirteen, so i'm very self conciouse about my weight. All my friends say im sooooo skinny but when i look into the mirror i really dont think i am. I would never go annorexic or anything, but is it normal for a young dancer to feel this way?

Answer
Hi Sammi. Most dancers have a different perception of skinny than other people - nothing to do with anorexia. You may be naturally on the thin side, and I hope you are not under-eating, but that it's natural  for you.

So, yes it's normal to feel that way. As long as you eat enough proteins and greens, and have enough muscle to dance and be strong, you are ok. You want to keep growing with healthy bones, too, so you can stay strong.

Just keep things in perspective as you grow and perhaps change shape. You may be heading for changes where you do gain weight - or not, but it happens to teenage girls as hormones change. But, as you finish growing everything evens out.

Just eat good healthy foods and enjoy your dancing!

All the best, Dianne.

A brief follow up - I've recommended to almost everyone to read my articles and blog entries at http://www.theballetstore.com You have to create a user name to log in to see all the blog entries - your privacy is safe! I really apologize that I didn't tell you this - I'm not a technical person!