25 life lessons I learned from ballet - #5
Beyond the arabesques and grand jetés, ballet is an abundant source of priceless life lessons. With the rigorous training and intense discipline it requires, ballet can teach one how to deal with pressure, disappointments, challenges, and ultimately, success. On her 25th anniversary as a professional dancer in 2009, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde took the time to list down 25 key lessons she learned from ballet and which she felt both dancers and non-dancers can apply in their own lives. This series shares those enduring nuggets of wisdom – one lesson at a time.
In an article that came out in the Philippine Daily Inquirer in 2011, Lisa talked about finding that balance to stay strong, fit, and healthy. Clipping from the Ballet Manila Archives collection
By Lisa Macuja-Elizalde
5. Health is wealth! You have to take care of your body. You only have one and each part is irreplaceable. My body is my instrument – I have to fine-tune it daily with proper nutrition, enough sleep and no other illegal or abusive substance such as nicotine or alcohol – or else, I won’t be able to dance.
Correct training, proper nutrition, and a balanced lifestyle allowed Lisa Macuja-Elizalde to enjoy an unusually long professional dancing career. Now, even in semi-retirement, she continues to work hard to keep herself fit and strong for her family and her company. Photo by Sara Black
Top photo: “I have been dancing since I was eight. I’m lucky to have a job that keeps me fit so I don’t have to wake up every morning to work out or go to the gym,” says Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. Photo by Raymund Isaac