Often ballerinas are thought of as performer and artists for the way they tell a story through dance. While this is indeed true, the fact that there are also athletes is often overlooked.

The way in which they train and live on a daily basis is similar to that of any other athlete. Professional ballerinas, like other professional athletes, train rigorously dedicating 40+ hours just to their training alone. Their training involves working on technique, strength, flexibility and conditioning. They do this by taking ballet classes focusing on technique, attending performance rehearsals, as well as attending other classes that will help with their strength and flexibility.

In addition to training rigorously ballerinas must also strive to eat and exercise in way that ensure their bodies are always in shape for performances. Like many other athletes, ballerinas aim to eat in a way that helps them to succeed in their career. They do this by eating foods that help to repair and strengthen their muscles as well as help them refuel and maintain their energy.

Ballerinas also try to exercise and workout in a way that help with endurance and muscle strength as well as flexibility. They eat and exercise in this way to ensure that they are always prepared to preform and succeed in this career.

Therefore, although ballerinas are indeed artists, the training and lifestyle of a ballerina mirrors that of an athlete. Through there intense training and strict lifestyle ballerinas strive to succeed in their career like any other athlete. So, the next time you watch a ballet remember you are not only watching artists, but athletes at work.