What the routine of a prima ballerina really looks like (pilates are in the package!) –

The discovery made by chance became the great passion of his life. Thiago was only 15 years old when he started doing classical ballet at Centro de Dança Rio. Until then, the young man from Rio only knew street jazz, a dance group he and his brother were part of. It didn’t take long for his potential to be noticed by Professor Hugo Alexandre – a promoter of his art and an important figure in the dancer’s career. Despite the choice, he guarantees that he never suffered prejudice. The concern, in fact, was on the part of the family. “My father was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to pay my pension or that I wouldn’t be able to make a living from art. It was almost a battle to prove to them that a dancer can succeed,” he says.

The certainty about the profession, however, only came when Thiago won his first international medal, at the International Dance Competition in Paris. “At that moment I realized that I really had talent. It’s one thing for your teacher or a group of friends to tell you that you’re good. Winning that competition was proof that I could pursue a career,” he reveals. After the positive results, he was invited to perform in the ballet of the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro.

In 2001, he went to represent Brazil in a Bolshoi competition – a competition that changed his life. “I won the first Brazilian gold medal. I wasn’t the favorite, but I was the big winner. It was a double victory, very exciting. Then, the big proposals started to appear”, he explains.

Today, aged 34, he holds the position of principal dancer at the Royal Ballet in London, celebrated 15 years of career last year and is preparing to release his first documentary in partnership with HBO. “I live a profession that usually has a short career. However, with food and care, we can stay longer. I’m happy and in great shape. At the height of my experience and professional maturity”, he says.

And don’t think that so much practice is synonymous with relaxation or accommodation. On the contrary, Thiago’s routine starts early and training takes place four times a week. But, the exercises are divided according to the needs of the athlete’s body or the piece on display. Generally, there are 2 hours of rehearsal + 1h20 of ballet class + 45 minutes of pilates + 1 hour of bodybuilding + 25 minutes of elastic and stretching.

About food care, Thiago says he is privileged: “I never had a problem with weight gain. I control my menu to stay healthy, but my daily diet is pretty basic. And, yes, I allow myself some indulgences. Twice a week I have a drink, for example. I believe in serious training, but I like to feel good and relaxed. I’m not a 28/7 athlete.”

one day menu

Breakfast: a portion of eggs with bacon + orange juice with sugar.
Morning snack: a portion of nuts + yogurt.
Lunch: pasta with mushrooms + 1 lean beef fillet.
Afternoon snack: 1 banana (I like the fruit, but it also helps to avoid cramps) or a portion of raisins or 1 Brazilian paçoca.
To have lunch: 1 fish fillet (or lean meat) with salad.

Check out how was the day Thiago Soares took over the Instagram of :