Dancer's Way: The New York City Ballet Guide to Mind, Body, and Nutrition »

LINDA H. HAMILTON, PH.D., was a dancer in New York City Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine and Peter Martins. Now a clinical psychologist in private practice, she is the wellness consultant at New York City Ballet. A member of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science, she also consults at The Ailey School and Career Transition for Dancers, and writes a monthly advice column in Dance Magazine. She lives in New York City.

NEW YORK CITY BALLET is one of the foremost dance companies in the world, with an unparalleled active repertory of more than 150 works. Founded by George Balanchine and now under the direction of Ballet Master in Chief Peter Martins, the company has over 100 dancers, a 62-member orchestra, an official school (the School of American Ballet) and an annual 23-week performance season in New York. Widely acknowledged for its enduring contributions to dance, New York City Ballet is committed to promoting creative excellence and nurturing a new generation of dancers and choreographers.

In the current dance scene, performers contend with choreography that involves extreme dance, multiple techniques, and acrobatic moves, exemplified in the popular reality television show, “So You Think You Can Dance.” The dilemma for aspiring professionals is that dance class no longer provides sufficient preparation for performing at this level. Dancers who want to achieve their best, avoid injury, and perform at their peak will welcome the insight and advice in the pages of The Dancer’s Way.

The world-renowned New York City Ballet developed their proven wellness program to help dancers reach their potential without compromising their health. As one of the key designers of this program, former dancer and clinical psychologist Linda Hamilton, Ph.D. provides the essential principles of wellness that will help you achieve your goals in all levels and forms of dance. These include keeping yourself physically healthy, nutritionally sound, and mentally prepared as a dancer. New York City Ballet’s celebrated program, here for the first time in book form, highlights every tool you’ll need to stay in great shape.