Meet SAB Dietitian Rachel Fine

At SAB, we’re committed to providing the best resources for our students to grow and achieve their goals beyond the studio. Our dedicated team of wellness professionals, including physical therapists, Pilates and conditioning instructors, nurses, nutritionists, and more, work collaboratively to support students on their journey to excellence.

The newest addition to SAB’s multidisciplinary wellness team is Rachel Fine, a professional dancer turned board-certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with advanced certifications in Eating Disorders (CEDS-C), Sports Nutrition (CSSD), and Intuitive Eating. Ms. Fine is the School’s second nutritionist on staff, joining Heidi Skolnik, MS, CDN, FACSM, who has been leading SAB’s nutrition program for 27 years. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with dancers in her private practice and with major organizations such as Dance Masterclass and Youth America Grand Prix. She founded To The Pointe Nutrition in 2013 and built The Healthy Dancer® curriculum to provide credible nutrition education to all dancers, including dance parents and educators worldwide.

We are so excited to welcome Ms. Fine to SAB! Get to know her in the Q&A below.

Why is understanding nutrition important for dancers?

This one’s straightforward… nutrition directly impacts a dancer’s performance, recovery, and overall health. An adequate and balanced meal plan provides the energy needed for long rehearsals, classes, and performances— strengthening bones, reducing injury risk, delaying the onset of fatigue, and even preventing burnout. For dancers, nutrition is as essential as their training—it powers their movement, sharpens their focus, and keeps them resilient through the physical demands of their craft.

What do you enjoy most about working with dancers?

It’s relatable! I’m a dancer; I’ve been in their shoes as a pre-professional dance student and still experience the same challenges as a professional (and now Mom of 2). I’ve built my career as a dietitian to help dancers because I feel I’m helping my younger self— the dancer who needed to learn about building a solid meal plan while maintaining a supportive relationship with food.

What are some of the most common misconceptions about dance nutrition?

It’s hard to choose, but if I had to share a few, some common misconceptions about dance nutrition are:
  • “Carbs are bad”: Carbohydrates are essential for fueling long rehearsals and performances. Without them, dancers risk fatigue.
  • “Avoid fats”: Fats are often feared, but fats are crucial for brain health, hormone regulation, and recovery.
  • “You need to skip meals to maintain a certain body shape”: Skipping meals or restricting calories can lead to energy deficits, fatigue, decreased performance, and even long-term health issues like bone density loss or menstrual irregularities.
  • “Protein is the only important nutrient for recovery”: While protein is important for muscle repair, dancers also need a balance of carbs for glycogen replenishment and fats for reducing inflammation post-exercise.
  • “Supplements can replace a balanced diet”: While some dancers turn to supplements, a food-first approach is the best way to get the necessary nutrients. Supplements should only be used if recommended by a licensed dietitian like myself.

What’s your go-to snack?

Anything with nut butter! Currently, it’s sliced banana topped with almond butter plus a sprinkle of chia and hemp seeds.

What are you most looking forward to about joining the team at SAB?

I’m honored to work with dancers who embody the drive, passion, and love the arts. Coming to Lincoln Center each week is a privilege and I’m thrilled to be here alongside this incredible team.

What does wellness mean to you?

It’s building habits that honor your body’s well-being— physical, mental, and emotional realms. Together, we foster an environment that encourages a supportive relationship with food and body.

We’ll be sharing more about our team of wellness professionals, how they help our students thrive in all aspects of their SAB experience, ways in which we’re expanding our wellness programs, and how you can help support this aspect of our training in the months to come!

Date:

October 21, 2024

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