Before anorexia:
- Her hair was in a perfect bun.
- She looked put together in a nice leotard and tights.
- She performed with excellent technique.
- She prepared for and attended all auditions so she could get the best parts.
- She attended every class, even the ones that weren’t required.
- She skimped on sleep to keep up with her studies rather than missing a ballet class.
- She took her corrections and applied them.
- She was disciplined in her study of ballet.
- She went away for summer intensives because that is what was expected of Company members.
- She had to be perfect.
- When it felt like too much, she kept pushing.
- She danced one of the lead roles in the Nutcracker.
- Her goal was to become a professional dancer.
After anorexia: (once she was far enough along in her recovery to begin exercising again)
- She is able to attend dance classes.
- She enjoys dancing.
- She is honest with her artistic director about what she can and can’t do.
- She is dancing to help her recovery.
- She knows if her weight drops or ballet triggers anorexic behavior, she will have to stop dancing again.
- She is able to say no to opportunities in order to take care of herself.
- She feels less stress because she is dancing.
- She is not measuring herself against what she used to be able to do.
- She is not attending a summer intensive this year.
- She watched the Nutcracker this Christmas instead of dancing in it.
- Her goal is to become a professional dancer.
If you are in need of support as you parent your dancer through her anorexia recovery, email me to schedule a free 20-minute mini coaching session at jenni@peacemealcoach.com.
