Professional ballerina and Telstra Ballet Dancer Award 2014 nominee, Ingrid Gow has over-achieved that “barre body” we’ve been clamouring for. From training at Academy Ballet in Sydney, to three years dancing for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, around the world tours and joining The Australian Ballet’s corps de ballet in 2010, Ingrid’s diet is essential to maintaining optimum fitness and energy levels week after week. So, what does a professional ballerina eat?
RESCU: As a professional ballerina, what does your day on a plate look like?
Ingrid Gow: I usually start my morning with yogurt, muesli and banana at home. At the moment we are rehearsing throughout the day so morning class is at 10:30am until 12pm and after that we have a 15 minute break so I’ll usually eat a muesli bar to get me though until 2:30pm when our lunch break starts. Our lunch break is late but it works out well to keep our schedule a little more regulated for when we’re working during a performance season.
At the Ballet Centre where The Australian Ballet is based in Melbourne, we have a Dancer’s Deli and a lot of us purchase our lunch there. After a sandwich from the Deli we usually head back into rehearsal until 6:30pm including a 15 minute break. By the time I get home it’s almost 7:30pm, so quick and easy meals are a must. Dinner for me (if I’m not out with friends) is steamed vegetables with steak or chicken and either pasta or cous cous. I can’t go to bed without dessert of either ice cream or my favourite Double Coat Tim Tams!
RESCU: Is it the same for a non-rehearsal day?
Ingrid Gow: During performance seasons we start our morning ballet class at 11am and we’re in class until 12:15pm, so my meals stay the same until rehearsals finish at 3pm. At about 4pm I will have my dinner so that I’m completely fuelled for the show at 7:30pm. I will snack through the rest of the evening and after the show as my body needs it.
RESCU: With your physically grueling weeks, how do you keep up your energy levels?
Ingrid Gow: Keeping hydrated and making sure I’m actually giving my body enough fuel. In the big seasons making sure I’m not skipping meals because I’m too tired to cook is very important for me. Even increasing the amount of food I put on my plate during the day to keep me going through the long rehearsals.
I’m a naturally fit person because I had a very active childhood with swimming and dancing, and the lifestyle as a dancer requires a constant upkeep of our bodies and the work we do in the studio everyday keeps me fit and ready for the shows.
RESCU: What’s the secret to keeping up a nutritious diet when you’re in another country or on tour?
Ingrid Gow: Keeping up a nutritious diet is in the nature of our lifestyle as dancers, as is being prepared and knowing where our next meal is coming from when we’re on tour. Talking to fellow dancers to find out if someone has found a good place to eat that is also open during our breaks or after a show is key for this!
RESCU: What is your go-to snack when you’re strapped for time?
Ingrid Gow: I wish I was one of those people who carried snacks around in their handbags! If it’s a snack I’m after I’ll have a coffee and something sugary and sweet to keep me motivated.
RESCU: What do you think is the key to a balanced diet?
Ingrid Gow: Everything in moderation and not limiting yourself or making yourself feel guilty for giving your body what it needs to not only function well but also to feel good.
RESCU: Do you believe in detoxing?
Ingrid Gow: I don’t believe in detoxing but if I feel like I need to be extra healthy for a couple of days because I’ve been a little lazy with cooking and eating out too often I will take a little more care with what I’m putting into my body.
RESCU: What’s your number one indulgence?
Ingrid Gow: I’m a very social person so turning down a glass of wine when I’m out with friends is near impossible for me.
RESCU: Do you have a sweet tooth? How do you satisfy any sweet cravings?
Ingrid Gow: I have a very sweet tooth and if I have chocolate in my apartment I will eat it. I have to make sure I don’t go to the supermarket when ravenous after a long day of rehearsals because I will come home with a shopping bag full of sweet treats!
RESCU: What’s your never-fail healthy recipe?
Ingrid Gow: I am a terrible cook so when in the kitchen I just stick with the basics. Steamed vegetables and a steak are my go-to meal when I’m feeling a little tired. Minimal preparation and cleaning up are big factors when I’m in the kitchen. At the end of the day we exercise a lot more than the average person so I don’t particularly worry about making sure every meal is following strict dietary requirements. As long as what I eat is sensible and keeping my mind and body energised I’m happy!