Livia De Greve

Livia De Greve is a brilliant ballet dancer at the Royal Ballet School Antwerp who also competes in athletics. We spoke to her about the physical demands of ballet, balancing dance with running, and how Beet It Sport fits into her training.

Q and A

1. How did you first become interested in ballet?

I first started dancing simply because I loved moving to music. From a young age, dance felt natural to me and I enjoyed expressing myself through movement. What began as something fun slowly grew into a real passion.

2. What was the moment you realised you wanted to take dance seriously?

I realised I wanted to take dance seriously when I saw how much I enjoyed improving and challenging myself every day. Training at a higher level made me understand how much I love the discipline and artistry of ballet.

3. What is life like training at the Royal Ballet School Antwerp?

Training at the Royal Ballet School Antwerp is intense but very inspiring. In the mornings we focus on school subjects, and from the afternoon onwards we have dance training including classical ballet, contemporary dance and Spanish dance. The days are busy, but I really enjoy being surrounded by motivated dancers who push each other to improve.

4. What do people often underestimate about the physical demands of ballet?

People often underestimate how physically demanding ballet is. It requires strength, control, flexibility, endurance and mental focus every single day. Behind the elegance on stage, there are many hours of hard training and recovery.

5. How do strength, endurance and recovery fit into your daily training as a dancer?

Recovery is very important for me because of the amount of training we do. I dance five days a week and make sure to stretch after school to help my body recover and stay flexible. Having one rest day each week also helps me stay healthy and consistent.

6. You also compete in athletics. How does running support your ballet training, and how does ballet support your running?

Running helps improve my endurance and mental strength, which is useful in dance training as well. Ballet helps my running through posture, coordination and body control. I usually run once a week, mainly focusing on the 800m.

7. You recently ran a 1500m PB and placed 3rd at Provincials. What did that performance mean to you?

It was a nice experience because I normally focus more on the 800m, so the 1500m was a different challenge for me. I was happy with the result and it showed me that the training and consistency from both ballet and athletics can support each other.

8. What is a typical training day like for you across ballet, conditioning and running?

A typical day starts with school subjects in the morning, followed by dance training in the afternoon. We train in classical ballet, contemporary dance and Spanish dance. After school I usually stretch and focus on recovery, and during the week I also include a running session alongside my dance training.

9. Who has been a major influence or inspiration in your dance or performance journey?

Misty Copeland has been a huge inspiration for me. I really admire her strength, artistry and determination, and the way she inspires so many dancers to believe in themselves and work hard for their goals.

10. What are your ambitions for 2026 and beyond?

My biggest goal is to become a professional dancer in a company that truly inspires me. I want to continue growing both technically and artistically, while always challenging myself to become the best version of myself as a performer.

11. What advice would you give to someone starting ballet who wants to take their training seriously?

I would say to be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. Progress in ballet takes time, consistency and discipline, so it’s important to stay motivated and not compare yourself too much to others. Working hard while still keeping your love for dance is the most important thing.

12. How did you first become interested in beetroot and nitrate supplementation?

Because of both dance and athletics, I became more interested in nutrition and recovery and how they can support performance. I started learning more about beetroot and nitrate supplementation through sport and endurance training, especially because of the benefits for stamina and recovery.

13. You mentioned that you had started making your own beetroot shots. What made you want to try Beet It Sport?

I wanted to try Beet It Sport because I had already noticed good results from making my own beetroot shots. Since Beet It Sport is specifically designed for athletes, it makes it even easier and more practical to include in my routine while still supporting my performance and endurance.

14. In what ways does Beet It Sport fit into your training, rehearsal or performance routine?

I mainly use Beet It Sport during busy production periods and after long dance days. During those intense periods, it helps support my endurance and recovery, while also being very convenient to fit into my schedule.

15. What would you like more people to understand about ballet as a performance sport?

I would like more people to understand that ballet is both an art form and a high-level sport. Dancers train for many hours every week and need strength, endurance, discipline and mental resilience. What looks effortless on stage actually requires a huge amount of hard work behind the scenes

What an insight into the sport and art of ballet!

We are very proud to have Livia as a Beet It Sport ambassador and to watch as she continues to develop as a dancer and athlete. The level of discipline, consistency and commitment behind her training is clear, and it’s exciting to see how she continues to progress across both ballet and athletics.

Follow Livia’s journey, here.