Health Scan Lifestyle Q&A

Maria Buffini, female lead dancer, Riverdance

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

I would say yes, but there is always room for improvement. With what I do, you try to be as healthy as possible. We do eight shows a week. It’s tough, particularly when you get to the weekend and you have the two-show days. When you think of everything we ask of our bodies, you probably should be making a better effort.

How often do you exercise?

Dancing is really hard on your legs so you’d usually have a little bit of soreness by the end of the week. Some people in the show are really gym-buffed but I’m not that interested in the gym. You want to avoid burning calories if you are doing a show that night. I find dancing demanding enough but it’s important I do some pilates. For a dancer, it’s important to have a strong core.

Do you get your five a day?

I think five a day is a lot to fit in, but I do my best. I have porridge with fruit and nuts, I try and have a fruit juice and a lunch that has protein and carbohydrates. It’s important to have carbohydrates because you burn so much energy. Before the show, I always have a banana for slow release energy.

Do you worry?

I wouldn’t worry about a performance but obviously it’s in the back of your mind – everything you do during the day is geared towards being on the stage. You have to do your best each night because it’s a different audience. You get a small bit nervous but, I wouldn’t call it worry.

What do you do to relax?

I’d meet friends and go for a nice lunch or a cup of coffee, but we work on such opposite schedules to everyone, it’s kind of hard to see people. I’ve recently learned to drive so I’d take a drive out to Howth or somewhere like that.

What’s your unhealthiest habit?

I don’t smoke and I don’t really have a sweet tooth, I’d be more of a savoury person so things like crisps, cheese and crackers would be a temptation.

Riverdance is at the Gaiety Theatre until September 2nd.