You Asked, I Answered: Part II

Part II of me answering your questions. This time we're talking about the daily life of a dancer, how pointe is possible, and what I eat. (Oh, and a hardly ever seen wedding photo.)

Julie asked...
Love this idea! My question is: How did you make the leap (pun intended) into being a professional dancer? You've probably talked about this before, but I just started reading...I'm currently about to start working at a law firm, but I majored in dance in college, and miss being immersed in the dance world so much. Just would really love to hear about that journey, as you navigated it.
Dancing Branflake
Gosh, this question was really hard to answer and I have no clue why! I've been on the track to being a professional dancer since I started dancing. For some, it was a hobby; for me, it was a lifestyle choice. I was eleven when I knew I wanted to be in the dance world and I never lost my passion for it.

Kai Mercado asked...
What would you suggest to someone that used to dance, and is interested in getting back into it again?
Dancing Branflake
Find your local dance studio and see if they offer adult ballet classes. Or try your community college or university. Don't be intimidated- everyone else in there is in the same boat as you. Adult classes are fun and designed to help the dancers rekindle their love for dance.

Vintage Danielle asked...
If you weren't a dancer, would other profession would you consider?
Dancing Branflake
A writer, a big wig in a PR firm, or in the military. I have always wanted to serve my country and almost enlisted after high school.

Anonymous asked
Will you show us a wedding picture?
Dancing Branflake
Absolutely! We got married before digital was big, so we have no digital images of our wedding. So I took a picture of a picture. Hope that's okay!

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird asked...
What's a typical day like for you?
Dancing Branflake
I wake up early, blog, write my manuscript, shower, eat, and then get ready for classes. I'm in the studio by about 2 pm and come back home around 9 or 10 pm.

Erika @ ~TiptoeButterfly asked...
oh lala - this is a goodie - ur gonan be some good one's!!! - SINCE u asked - HOW in the world do you do pointe? - does it take awhile for ur feet to be able to withstand? - i must say it must be a DREAM come true to be a dancer and actually travel and get paid for what you LOVE to do! -- ps being a prof dancer - have you seen a lot of the eating disorders? - i watched a documentary on it once and it was astonishing (is it really that intense?)
Dancing Branflake
Pointe is crazy, it really is. But you do specific exercises from the beginning to help you prepare for being on your toes. The end of the shoe is hard and you can wear a little padding inside. If you have a strong core, it's not too hard, I promise!
Eating disorders are a problem. Even though not all dancers have a full blown eating disorder, how they view food tends to be a little messed up. I try to teach my students to have a more positive outlook on their bodies so they will be smarter in what they do to it.

Lauren asked...
Do you feel a lot of pressure to eat healthily and workout regularly? I've always wondered if it takes a certain kind of person to be in that sort of work or if you become a certain kind of person when you have that sort of job. Thanks!
Dancing Branflake
Hmm... to be honest, I feel a lot of pressure to be skinny. So if I'm feeling a bit puffy, I'll cut back on my food intake and increase the exercise.
I try to eat vegetables and wholesome foods, but often times I'll be so exhausted by the end of the day that dinner consists of a granola bar and bottle of water.  Speaking of, I drink a ton of water: no alcohol, no soda, no coffee, no fruit juices, and no sports drinks. I'm trying everyday to be healthier, but old habits and a fear of gaining weight dictate what I eat (and don't eat).

That said, I have been known to splurge. A lot. I love food, I just hate the aftermath, haha!

Up Next:

Part III gets way personal. Whoa.

Also...

I'm deleting my Dancing Branflake Facebook page. It just wasn't as personal as I hoped it would be. Feel free to add me as a friend on my personal Facebook page- it's where all my blogger friends are at, anyway. Oh yes... we talk blog shop, food, and things that make us laugh. I love it and I know you will, too.