Dancing children need good nutrition. The American Academy of Pediatrics has many recommendations for nutritional needs of the growing active child. Feeding young dancers can be challenging as most children are fussy about foods. Meals should be tasty, convenient and nutritious from breakfast through dinner. Physical activity, such as dancing, promotes and prolongs health and happy lifestyles.

Breakfast provides energy to carry a child through an active morning. Children who skip breakfast may not concentrate well or may lack energy to dance. Here are some different and interesting breakfast ideas:

Breakfast Shake::combine skim milk or 1% milk or a substitute such as rice or soy milk, fruit and ice in a blender.
Frozen Banana::dip a banana in yogurt, then roll in crushed cereal & freeze
Peanut Butter Spread::spread on crackers, tortilla, apple slices or jicama
Cereal::add fresh or dried fruit, mix sweet cereals w/Kashi or add yogurt

Lunch may include many different options. Children who help make their own lunches are more likely to eat them. Try these suggestions:

Cookie Cutters::make your sandwich & use cutters to make cute shapes
Decorate::make salads w/interesting colors and shapes; fruit salads may be made with all melons or summer fruits & add granola or cereal as a topping
Peanut Butter::smear on anything! Add raisins, bananas or apple slices
Veggies::instead of lettuce; use a potato peeler to slice thin sections of carrots, cucumbers or zucchini and add to your sandwiches

Dinner may be on the run for most serious dancers. Since most dance and ballet studios may not have a cafe or large refrigerator, you may need to provide your child with a small (no bigger than their head) soft cooler to keep a protein-rich meal w/carbs that may include grilled chicken with fresh vegetables or salad accompanied by fresh or dried fruit. Or just cheeses and whole grain crackers or breads with fruit or fresh vegetables. Pastas should be lightly dressed with olive oil and salt or a lightly sauteed tomato-based vegetable medley. Keep it simple and tasty!

Childhood Infections: And as always, remind your young dancers to WASH their hands thoroughly before eating. This will prevent many infections caused by viruses. Colds and flus may run rampant at a dance studio because of close quarters. Children and teens have a tendency to share foods, hair brushes and makeup and may spread unnecessary germs to each other. If your child is sick, it is better to nurse them at home so that other dancers do not catch their viruses. Watch for symptoms such as runny noses, mild fever, watery eyes and headaches. These are the first signs of a cold. Rest and plenty of fluids will get your dancer back en pointe quickly! For more serious symptoms, please contact your pediatrician as soon as possible.
Notes from the American Academy of Pediatrics

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