Education

Competitive Dance with Food Allergies

By TAG member Jacqueline See-Tho and Gina

One year, before one of my Nutcracker performances, my mom gave me a giant version of one of my favorite candies to celebrate (specifically, a giant banana Laffy Taffy). I excitedly ate it about 45 minutes before the show, not a very wise move in general. A couple of bites in, I started feeling bad and strange. I recognized it as an allergic reaction and immediately took Benadryl. When I checked the ingredients, I realized that this big version had egg in it.

We later found a similar problem with my brother’s giant sweet tarts, but luckily, he did not eat them first. We had never expected this as I had had LaffyTaffys countless times before. Fortunately, I started feeling better and felt good enough to go on stage. My friend’s mom was a stagehand at that time and we let her know what was going on. She made sure to look out for me while I was performing and let me know where she would be if I needed to step off stage because I was feeling unwell. I ended up being okay and was able to get through the show. This was just a reminder to me to never get too comfortable and trusting and to always check ingredients no matter how many times I have had something.

Our tips

Traveling with the team

Make sure everyone knows you have allergies.
Try to arrange meal options before the trip. Ask where, when, and what you will be eating. If you are eating food from a hotel, work with/call the staff to develop options for you.
Learn about the available restaurants/cuisine at the trip locations. You can look at websites, allergy blogs/articles, etc.
Have everyone wash their hands and not eat your allergens (if possible).
Bring your own food-using Tupperware, resealable bags. You should always have your own food/snacks on hand. You can carry it in a portable cooler. Try to get a form of cooling and warming up in your room or living arrangement (Mini-fridge, microwave or ask to access the hotel kitchen for their refrigerator and microwave.)
Pack microwavable meals.
Make allergy-friendly versions of meals your team will be having to feel included.
Order if you have been to the restaurant/eating establishment before. Only eat non-homemade food if you have had it before.
Only eat labeled food
Make sure you have non-expired medicines on hand.
Eat your own food if you feel uncomfortable. You can ask the restaurant if they could warm up the food for you or provide you with hot water.
If you decide to try to eat other food, speak directly to the chef/manager. List your allergies and common products that contain them. You can give them a note/card with all of those elements listed on them. Make sure they understand cross-contact.
Don’t feel embarrassed when you have to order and if it takes a long time compared to others you are eating with. Your safety is the priority.
Don’t feel forced to eat anything.
Don’t skip out on eating/meals. Even if you don’t feel hungry, it is the fuel for your dancing.

Easy Grab and Go Snacks

Energy bars
Fruit snacks-gummies, dried fruit (apple, raisins, strawberries, banana, mango, coconut, etc.), fruit sticks
Granola
Fresh fruit-apples, kiwi, pear, orange, banana, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, melon, etc.
Fresh veggies-carrots, lettuce, kale, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, bell peppers, avocado, mushrooms, celery, olives, etc.
Veggie chips
Popcorn
Chips-potato, tortilla, pita, etc.
Pretzels
Seaweed
Sunflower butter
Hummus and carrots (unless you are allergic to chickpeas/garbanzo beans)
Dairy-free yogurt
Applesauce
Rice cakes/crackers
Different seeds-sunflower, pumpkin
LOTS of water (fresh fruit juices too, but in moderation)
Smoothies
Enjoy Life Chocolate Chip Cookies, Snickerdoodles, or the other flavors
Gatorade
Sandwiches
Salads

Medical alert jewelry

If you take it off during the performance, don't forget to put it back on after.
Talk to your coach/teacher about their rules with jewelry/bracelets. List your reasons for why you would want to wear it during class or a show.
If you aren't able to wear it during a show, ease your anxiety by remembering food isn't involved in the show.
Stick to safe foods when eating before or during dance so that you do not have a reaction while dancing.
Make sure your teacher and other dancers know what your allergies, so you will be in good hands and others are aware.
Train the group on how to use your epinephrine auto-injector

If you have a reaction before a show

Make sure you have taken the necessary medication. You should always have your meds with you.
Make sure you have at least one teammate buddy and your teacher who knows your allergens and how to recognize a reaction. They should also know where you keep your epi-pen and how to use it.
Alert your teammates and teacher/coach, or other necessary administration about the reaction.
Make sure your understudy is prepared in case you don’t feel ready to perform.
If you decide to perform, make sure a stagehand/other people backstage are aware. They can be a resource/help for you if you need to step off stage during the performance and they can take care of you.
Do what you need to do for yourself. Don’t worry about what the team will do without you. Your safety and health are much more important.

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