Short of Korean skincare routines and French—well—everything, few things garner our undying fascination like ballerinas. They're lithe, graceful, and incredibly disciplined—and for us mere mortals, it's intriguing to consider what it's really like to live as a professional dancer.
Fortunately, we live in the age of Instagram, which means that it's easier than ever to peer into the lives of anyone who's game to share. And that includes Agnes Muljadi (who you might know as @artsyagnes), a Los Angeles–based ballerina who shares vignettes of her daily activities to an audience of nearly 200,000 followers. Muljadi balances a demanding rehearsal schedule with a passion for wellness and eco-friendly living—and she also happens to be vegan.
So in the interest of taking a closer look at what that all really entails, we asked Muljadi to share a typical day in her life—from her go-to healthy breakfast (hint: it involves kale) to her favorite post-rehearsal pit stop. Keep reading to see what it's really like to be a vegan ballerina.
8 A.M.
"Rise and shine! I always begin my day with a 10-minute stretch followed by a 20-minute meditation to focus on my positive intentions for the day."
8:30 A.M.
"After meditation, I drink a glass of water with lemon and quickly prepare my kale and wheatgrass juice. Then, I head up to my rooftop to soak in some sun, drink my juice, and quietly recite my daily affirmations."
9 A.M.
"Time for breakfast. I usually make my go-to breakfast of raw kale salad with mushrooms, onions, cauliflower, bell pepper, cashews, and raw kimchi with a teaspoon of olive oil."
9:30 A.M.
"Now I am ready to attack the day! I immediately check my email, post on my social media, and go through my calendar to prepare for any upcoming shoots, collaborations, or events."
12:30 P.M.
"I quickly grab a bowl of fresh fruit before I head out for a workout: either Pilates, yoga, or gyrotonics."
2 P.M.
"Time to head out to some business meetings. On days when I don't have anything on my afternoon agenda, I either head home or keep working out."
5 P.M.
"I start making my way to the ballet studio. I like to get there early so I can stretch for at least 20 to 30 minutes."
6 P.M.
"I start my class and rehearse until about 9 p.m."
9 P.M.
"I head to Whole Foods or a nearby vegan restaurant to get my dinner. One of my fave dishes is the macrobiotic bowl from Café Gratitude. After dinner, I usually have a cup of chamomile tea to wind down and a vegan treat."
Next up, check out what it's really like to be a Byrdie editor.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
