This isn't to address my hiatus or make everyone realize I'm back. I just wanted to let my TT family and friends in on what's happened. It's important that I cue you all in, and who knows others might be in a similar position or know someone else who has been there, or not at all. First of all thank you to everyone's unconditional support and encouraging words over the past few years. I have recently been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and am in the process of seeking professional help. As well as joining a sustained support group. I have been fighting the dancer stereotypes all my life. Especially the association that all dancers have or get eating disorders. I am here to say from experience, that my eating disorder was NOT entirely from being a dancer. The dance world is a vicious place and the teachers/choreographers can be nasty, but there are plenty who are indeed loving and inspiring. But the ballet world is an even tougher, grueling place. I feel a constant pressure to look the way I need to, and even one is thin, sometimes it's not enough. I have had fluctuating weight, loss of hair, a change in my menstruation (explains a lot), and extremely cold. After fighting this weight/appearance battle for six years, I have finally come forward to address my battle. I recently went in for a consultation and I'm looking for a change. I don't necessarily want to gain weight or lose any more, I just want to be in a healthy and happy mind set. I want to continue my dancing, but without the focus on my weight and shift it over to ME. Not the mirrors. I'm hoping to find a counselor or some sort of help that will help me fight through this difficult time. We all have a struggle, and this will be mine. I'm sorry if this isn't something to address on this site, but I wanted to share a snipbit of my story for anyone out there. I've missed you all, and I send to love to every one, whether I know you or not. I love you all. Embrace yourself and beauty comes in every shape, style, and form.