Name: Elina Miettinen
Where do you live? I live in New York City.
What type of athlete are you? I’m a professional ballet dancer.
Do you have a day job or are you a professional dancer? I’ve been a professional dancer since I was 18 years old.
How long have you been participating in this sport? I started dancing when I was 7, ballet when I was 9.
Who are your biggest influences? Who do you admire most? My biggest influences are my parents. Their strong will and determination has transferred to me for sure.
What is your training regimen? I take a ballet class every morning, which lasts for 90min. That’s when I warm my body up and work on my technique. A ballet class is something a dancer has to take every day to stay in good shape. I also do cross training a few times a week like Pilates and gym exercises.
How do you structure your days? I write everything down in my calendar to make sure I have time for everything. I normally spend the first part of the day training until about 3 or 4pm. The second part of the day I leave for body conditioning or acting studies.
Do you find your diet to be a crucial part of your lifestyle? If so, what diet tips would you recommend to your followers? I have to eat very often, like 4-5 times a day to avoid energy dropping. Sometimes I get too busy to make sure I eat often enough, but I try my best to eat organic food and a well balanced diet whenever possible. I don’t believe in drastic diets. I’ve tried all kinds of different diets, but it just leaves me hungry and cranky. I feel the most energized when I balance out the carbs, protein and fats, and make sure I stay well hydrated through out the day. Everyone’s body works differently, so it’s hard to give any particular diet advice. I’d say do whatever works best for you to keep your energy levels up and drink lots and lots of fluids.
How do you care for your body and health aside from your sport? First of all I make sure I sleep 8-9 hours a night. My body always feels worse if I don’t get enough sleep. I get massages regularly and go to physical therapy. I also do strengthening exercises daily to make sure I’m not overusing certain muscles. Dancer’s body goes through so much wear and tear every day, that it’s important to do all the maintenance to avoid injuries.
What is your impression of the Silipos products we sent you? How did they add value to you? What did you like about them? They are very comfortable to use and they provide great protection.
Would you recommend Silipos products to other dancers? I would. If you are tired of blisters, you should give them a try. The gel pads provide nice cushioning and support for your feet.
What is something that your followers do not know about you, that you find to be very important to your personal lifestyle?I think it’s important to maintain friendly, healthy relationships with others and to be social! Life is not all about ballet!! Remember, the healthier your mind – the healthier your body.
What keeps you motivated when you are faced with challenges? I always think that challenge is good. Life gets boring without them. I’d say that challenges drive me and keep me motivated!
What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring dancer? Be honest with yourself and with what you want to accomplish as a dancer. Write it down, and work towards your goal every day. Don’t compete with others, that will only put you down. You are your best competition. Be patient. Hard work, commitment and determination will pay off sooner that you’d imagine.
You can continue to follow Elina’s active journey through life by following her on her social channels!
Instagram: @elinamiettinen
Twitter: @elinamiettinen
Facebook: @elinadancer
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