The ballet dancer’s life: strength training, strict diet, ice packs and constant pain
Ballet dancers are as fit as professional footballers and basketball players, a study has shown. We talk to three Hong Kong dancers about their workout, diet and maintenance routines
Xia Jun may look delicate, and his movements on stage may be graceful, but don’t be fooled by appearances. The soloist with the Hong Kong Ballet maintains a demanding regimen to stay on top of his game, and give his body the 24/7 maintenance his career requires.
That includes almost daily check-ins with the staff sports practitioner, and weekly trips for deep tissue massages and acupuncture on his legs. He spends at least two hours a day stretching to keep his muscles and joints limber, and regularly applies ice packs to his ankles or knees to keep swelling down.
He also abides by a strict diet. A slice of pizza or a burger with a small cup of sake once a week is his cheat meal, he says.
Xia, 23, who was born in Shanghai and joined the Hong Kong Ballet in 2013, says his feet in particular require constant attention, from managing blisters and calluses to regular strength training, right down to the toes. All cramps and cuts must be attended to, or he can’t do his job.
Xia Jun in rehearsal
Most days after Xia finishes rehearsals, or has performed the second show of the day, he has to take a taxi home because his feet are too sore to walk.