The Athleticism of Ballet
Ever wondered about the rigorous physical demands ballet dancers face and the strategies that keep them performing at their peak? We spoke with Alejandro Piris Niño, our Director of Artistic Health, to get an inside look at how dancers prepare, train, and recover during Nutcracker season.
Alejandro has been the company physical therapist for the past three years; he plays a crucial role in ensuring that dancers maintain optimal health and performance throughout the season. His expertise helps bridge the gap between art and athleticism in the world of ballet.
A Day in the Life of an MCB Dancer
During the season, a typical day for MCB dancers begins with a 90-minute ballet class. This class serves as a foundation, preparing their bodies and refining technique. Following the class, dancers spend several hours in rehearsals. Depending on their workload, some dancers also incorporate cross-training into their routines to enhance strength and endurance.
Preparing for The Nutcracker
For a demanding production like The Nutcracker, dancers rely on a balance of rigorous rehearsals and intentional recovery. According to Alejandro, “Rehearsals are designed to improve the dancers’ quality of movement, endurance, and mental focus. Recovery is just as critical, allowing the body to adapt to stress. The better the recovery, the more efficient rehearsals can be.”
Injury Prevention & Recovery Support
Preventing injuries during an intense performance schedule starts with a mindful warm-up tailored to the demands of each dancer. Alejandro emphasizes a “smart and rigorous approach to daily rehearsals and morning class” as key strategies for reducing injury risks.
Short-term treatments help dancers endure immediate performances, while longer-term goals ensure sustained health.
Cross-Training & Conditioning
Cross-training varies by dancer preference. Some opt for yoga, Pilates, or Gyrotonic training, while others favor weightlifting at the gym. These activities complement ballet training, helping dancers maintain strength and flexibility.
Ballet vs. Athletic Performance
How do the physical demands of ballet compare to those of elite athletes? Alejandro observes, “Dancers and athletes both push their bodies to extremes, but their psychological intentions differ. Athletes compete for scores, while dancers aim to tell a story. Some basketball players are more artist than athlete, and some dancers are more athlete than artist. In both cases, high-level movement is physically demanding, but intention matters most.”
One common misconception about ballet is the perceived fragility of dancers. “Most people know ballet is hard,” Alejandro says, “but they may not realize there’s nothing fragile about ballerinas. However vulnerable they appear on stage, they are tough.”
Preparing for Iconic Roles
Rehearsals are the cornerstone of preparation for any role. Whether it’s Sugarplum, Candy Cane, Coffee, or Mother Ginger, a skilled rehearsal director and coach ensure dancers are ready to shine.
Lifts and jumps may look effortless, but they require intensive rehearsals and expert coaching to help dancers master the demands of their craft.
Marvel at the athleticism of ballet at George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® Dec 13 – 24, 2025 at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Tickets from $40.
All tickets include a free immersive Land of Sweets Experience before the performance, featuring dazzling digital projections by MadArts, festive games, character meet-and-greets and more. Presented by Spirit Airlines.