Any tips for child athletes?

[Guest guest]

Hi all! My daughter (age 7)is in competitive dance. This is her 3rd season. The

studio director is improving the program every year and this year would like to

add a informational nutrition program. Great! I asked her who the " nutritionist "

was and she said a physician who is the father of two other dancers. I offered

my assistance before I knew what I was doing. (Hate it when that happens!!)

The girls (there are few boys)are ages 7-15 (mainly 9-11)and dance ~8 hours per

week at the studio. The styles are jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, musical theater,

and modern. There are also technique classes mixed in. Most of them are also in

soccer, swimming, karate, gymnastics or other sports on non dance days. Next

season starting in summer the schedule is 4 hrs/day for two days per week. There

is a dinner and homework break. They are mostly very active high energy girls. I

can count maybe a handful with overweight issues and same for underweight. I can

look up general requirements for pediatric nutrition, but does anyone have

insight into more of a child athlete?

I know they're specifically looking for nutrition for strengthening and muscle

development/maintenance as well as getting kids to vary what they are eating.

The parents at the desk were talking about sneaking in f/v when this whole

conversation began.

Thanks in advance!

Becky srud RD, CD