SO true about "the second day"; the first day is like "I'm here, just so you know", the second day is hellish

Yes love that your wanting to normalise this topic in the dance world ! Luna Montana has really good videos on this too xx

TIP:If you have cravings for chocolate, have a piece of dark chocolate. The magnesium in the chocolate will help curb any cravings for chocolate, as that is what your body is actually craving.

Hey Claudia! Just wondering if you could do a video with tips on things that are still slightly ‘taboo’ to talk about in the ballet world like having big boobs, body hair, stage fright and just things that surround those topics! I would really appreciate this because a lot of us are still in the dark about these topics and I feel like they need to be normalised too xx💕

At my ballet school we have a uniform and are not allowed to wear anything like skirts or shorts except shorts for pas de duex, but lucky in my class we are all pretty close so when someone does get there period we make sure to look out for that person during our classes in case something does happen 😂👌🏻👌🏻 we are very comfortable with each other in that subject because all girls get it!

Great video! And while it is so important for girls & young women to have this info, it’s also *crucial* that boys & young men learn about the menstruation process & what girls/women are going through. I have a 16 year old son & 12yo nephew (both ballet dancers!!) and I talk openly & honestly with both of them about menstruation & all that goes with it. They are both likely going to spend their lives with a partner who goes through this every month, and they should absolutely understand the process. My 16yo is not embarrassed or ashamed when the girls he dances with talk about their periods. The girls also know that if they need someone to bring them something or go buy them something or whatever, they can trust Clarke to do that for them, without any sort of awkwardness. He is kind & understanding & treats it all like what it is- just a part of life. I encourage everyone who reads this who has boys or young men in their lives to really teach their boys this info & help them be the supportive partners that their future girlfriend/wife/DAUGHTER will need regarding this topic. 😎

when my old dance teacher told me about making old tights into a bra, my mind was BLOWN! so glad you’re telling everyone about it too! everyone should know this hack!

I love how comfortable she is with this topic ☺️

I got my period when I was 11 and as a dancer it was so dang awkward and hard to deal with. This video helped so much!! Tysm ily ♡♡

I’ll never forget the first time I started my period! I was 11 and it was RIGHT before dance class 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ I’m 32 now and I can’t imagine having been able to watch a KZfaq video about this topic as a young dancer. So glad that dancers in 2020 can watch this!

I had my stupid period for every pool party and every beach vacation of my teenage years, so I wish I'd had an "Ellen" to tell me about tampons! You were so lucky! 💕 If someone is new to tampons, try different brands, because for years I defaulted to Tam_ax - can I say that? Then I realized why I hated them, because they expand lengthwise (!), making them so, so uncomfortable. The Pearl ones are better, and the Pla_tex brand is good. Thanks for talking about this , Claudia. My mom actually never told me I was going to get a period. Really. When I got it I was terrified, and at first I thought I'd be bleeding EVERY DAY for the rest of my life! I'm just saying this in case there's another young girl out there with a super-shy mom who can't talk about this stuff. I'm glad you're doing it.

Menstrual cups are so comfortable, i do Capoeira, never have leaks with it. Its a good alternative

Thank you for this Claudia! Our periods need to be normalized. It’s a normal phenomenon for a female. People used to shut me down when I talk about it but it needs to be talked about.

Ironic that this would come out a day after I bled all over my hired white dance costume 😂🤦‍♀️

For those who do not eat meat, make sure you’re getting lots of leafy greens into your diet, and focus on eating iron-rich foods. You can also increase the amount of foods you eat that have vitamin C in them to assist your body in absorbing the extra iron you’re consuming. If you’re feeling lethargic often when you’re on your period, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about including an iron supplement in your daily routine. And as always, stay hydrated! Ensuring you have enough fluid will help to reduce the severity of your cramping and headaches. 💜

I’m crying on the bathroom floor because I’ve been trying to put a tampon in for that past hour because my dance teacher forces us to wear tampons 😭

The worst day does differ from person to person! Second day, yeah I have a heavy flow, but I have no or very little pain. Day one is lighter but very painful.

I just want to say for anyone who is on the pill like me, be careful if you’re ever on one called rigevidon, I was just in hospital for four days as they thought I had appendicitis but it was just the pill I was on which could lead to tumours ect, they swapped me to a lower oestrogen pill and I’ve been a lot better x thank you Claudia for making this a normal thing in the community! X

props to you for filming in public ! i love how you’re so open about this topic, it should be talked about more openly like this ❣️❣️❣️

I just discovered this channel!! I never danced BUT you girls/Women have my utmost RESPECT! Also girls be kind to each other.. life is difficult for all of us for different reasons!! Being kind to someone will make your day..

What a wonderful video. Educating girls about their periods and what to expect of their bodies. I loved when you said “it’s a normal bodily function.” Yes it is and there’s really no fighting it. Make friends with your body. You will appreciate it. 🥰

I found that Ibuprofen helped with very painful cramps. The combination of a tampon and a light flow pad was not too bulky and reduced the risk of leaks. Of course, I am now too old for “that time of the month.” Stick on pads were not available when I started. Just the “belt” and cardboard tampons. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen were not available, either. The more “modern” products are much more comfortable.

my best tip for periods: use a menstrual cup! I can't recommend these things highly enough. You can wear them way longer than tampons. (up to 12 hours!) I have way less cramps, They are more comfortable. Especially when you want to wear something "just in case". With tampons, if I wore one just in case and had to pull it out dry, it would be very uncomfortable. With cups, it's not uncomfortable at all if you wear one just to make sure. I think that is especially helpful for performances and stuff like that. sidenote: there is a bit of a learning curve with cups. I recommend first using it at home, and changing to a tampon when you go out, just until you really get the hang of it. The first time I used one I put it in wrong and went to a party, and I leaked a lot... Give yourself some time to get used to them. that might take 2 or 3 periods until you're completely comfortable with them. Oh, and if you're young/a virgin: putting them in with some lube will help a lot.

Definitely speak to your GP about contraception options. There are plenty of options like injections, implants and IUDs with varying effects on your period. Just remember that they affect everyone differently, so what works well for your friends might not work for you. It can also take a bit of time to figure out what works best for you. If you are experiencing ongoing and severe period pain (ie unbearable not just cramps) please speak to your GP and make sure they take you seriously.

I’m literally sitting on my floor on my period eating m&m’s

Thanks for sharing! I love your ‘down-to-earth’ approach; as a dutchie I appreciate your no-nonsense. I’m already 50 years old, you’re a real role model for all the young dancers and you take on your task so professionally and yet with a smile and so much wit... respect and honor for you Claudia! I like your open mind and the way you speak about this topic 💪🏻👍🏻

We‘re allowed to wear underwear in class, so I use period panties. My brain doesn’t like the idea of tampons or menstrual cups - I don’t know why. Before I had pads but that wasn’t really the thing for class because it felt gross when I was sweating. The panties might seem quite expensive at first but they should be wearable for about five years so it is actually cheaper than tampons, pads etc. Anyways, with the panties I feel more secure and I haven’t got a too heavy flow (it isn’t too light either), I only have to change them after 12-15 hours. I think those period panties are a good alternative for those who don’t like tampons or menstrual cups, so I encourage to try them

I just wanted to say that i use period underwear and it works so well for me! I dont have to use any pads or tampons which contributes a lot to waste and they feel so much more comfortable and dry! Im definitely not saying pads and tampons arent great, but i have found dance period underwear that is seamless so its perfect for classes and performances! This video was really helpful though so thanks for trying to make it less taboo!

my periods v weird tbh its like the opposite of normal ones -high energy -no cramps -cravings are small -i feel disgusting but overall my productivity and energy go way up -a little sensitive -first day is hell (as in blood amount and how disgusting i feel, no cramps), as well as days 2-4, and then starts getting lighter, ends at around day 8 (a little bit of cramping)

This is not about the video but I love how you start every video with I hope you're having an amazing day. Love you ❤❤

13:50 When I was young (started at 10-11) I was pretty embarrassed to talk about the products I needed to deal with my period, but I liked pads with wings and started using the code word "birds" with my mother when she'd ask if I needed anything from the store, over time it has evolved as my general code word on my calendar for tracking just out of weird nostalgia, ha.

Such an excellent video! Very informative for sure....especially for younger women who are just beginning their periods. I didn't start getting cramps till I was about 25 or so....one super nasty time it was so bad I thought I'd have to go to the hospital!! Thankfully I was able to sleep and it was much better! If I had a hot cup of tea and then slept for a couple hours, I awoke without cramps. Again, thank you for this much needed (I feel!), video!!

i love how she’s so comfortable with this topic like she in a public park and talking about periods and doesn’t feel weird about it. also tysm for all the tips they were super helpful and will for sure be using these in dance!

I got my first Period at 16 also. We were a bit later than most of our classmates! You're right - it comes at the right time for YOU. Probably most Girls have slightly irregular Periods for the first couple of years, while we're still growing and maturing. Good Nutrition is ALWAYS important but especially around the Period, you probably need more Iron and Protein. I'm not much of a Carnivore but always craved Steak and Spinach a few days before the Period - and my Doctor advised eating Beef Liver (couldn't stand it!). Always remember - CHOCOLATE HELPS! (In moderation of course.)

I can only imagine what the people in the back walking around are thinking when they see Claudia talking about getting her period lol

I’m a male but I’m watching this hahaha

I am just wishing for Claudia's YT channel to get to 1M subs! Luv you!

Who else is on their period lolol

💜💋💜💋💜💋💜Magnesium is very low before periods..taking magnesium supplements the need for chocolate,chips,junk food will gone...love you amazing Claudia..

I use a menstrual cup during my ballet performances and seems to help with the cramps. I would recommend practicing with it a couple of months before. Hope this helps!

Awesome to be helping each other about these things Claudia, as an “old” dancer I have found that the more natural we are in dealing with the changes in our bodies

does anyone know what the people walking in the back are thinking? XD

I want to take a class with you but I can’t because of the corona virus xxx

I am a gymnast, however this video is incredibly helpful and wonderful to refer to! Thank you, Claudia, for making this video.

I love how you also support Mackenzie! Also, tysm for this video! I’m 12, a ballerina, and I got my period a few months ago 👀 ilysm 💜

Thank you so much Claudia for making this video it is so nice knowing that I am not the only self conscious dancer out there that is worried and paranoid about leaking.

Claudia...You are SOOO 'ACE'!!! I AM SIxty-seven... so twenty years beyond my last period!! But I absolutely LOVE you for who you are and what you do....and I ASSURE you...your mum is SOOOO proud of you! I took up ballet for the first time when I was sixty-one!!! And now it is the PASSION of my life!! I attend two adult classes a week plus one private lesson and I take part in livestream barre classes from Moscow!! I've been following Joy Womack since she began vlogging...another truly inspiring Soul! But YOU, my Lovely are 'up there' on my list of people I love, respect and so enjoy watching! I am a retired teacher and without doubt you have that gift! You are a BORN teacher! Such a great communicator! And trust me, Claudia...if I lived your side of the globe, near you (I'm in the UK!) I'd be signing up for private lessons with you!!! Take care, Angel-Soul and keep showing the world who you are...because who you are is AWESOME and your LIGHT is travelling across the dancing world, like an unstoppable tsunami!!! 😄 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👏👏👏💃💃💃

I'm the only dancer (self -taught) that had period for the first time in 6th grade? Btw Claudia I love you. Keep working hard and helping us. Kisses from Greece. ❤😘🇬🇷

After I bought my first menstrual cup, my period has never been easier! I never feel paranoid about leaking anymore, it's awesome!

Thank you so much for making this video, Claudia! I find it funny that I'm on my 2nd day right now, yes, it's definitely the worst day.

Love how you adressed the pill situation and recommended to talk to the doctor and decide together what to do, because everybody's different and every pill is different and produces different reactions on different people. My life, for example, changed completely for the better since I started taking the pill: the pain is close to none, it lasts less and I loose less blood (which is a good thing for me for medical reasons) and I'm able to live my life to the fullest, while before when I was on my period I basically was bedridden for at least 4 days. Everybody is different and as Claudia said, don't take certain medication just because everyone takes it and talk to your doctor before doing anything. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk

I'm 24 and not a dancer (unsure why I'm here but addicted to ballet videos at the moment!) but just wanted to say thank you for making this video! I have a side business making reusable sanitary pads and the taboo around periods is crazy. We need more people in this world talking freely about topics like this ❤️

Going to pass to my daughter who almost there and terrified it'll come during class. Thanks Claudia.

i am so happy that i am not the online person who will get her period very late, i am 15 and still haven’t got my first period yet. love your video’s 😍😍🥰🥰😘😘

I prefer pads at night too! I definitely relate to the feeling of them being restrictive during day activities. I have just transitioned to a menstrual cup and I don't get as many cramps and pain as I used to! I also find I have even more freedom in movement with a menstrual cup. The second day is definitely the worst. I always have to double up on pads at night cuz my period likes to go all the way back. I have thought about trying period underwear. Anyone like them?

Out of any dance video I have watched, This is truly the far most helpful one I have seen yet.

Boy do i remember those days ...thank god when i had my 2 kids that cramping went away,now my period is done for life thank god , im enjoying my grandkids had my period for 40 long yrs.

Claudia, I forgot to say you have beautiful and expressive hands and your nails simply add to their beauty! (Ps I'm a long-nail kinda gal too!💅💜)

Omg so used to do the cut off tights in Ballet School in England !!!!!!! Love it !!!!

Apps actually helped me be more aware of my pre period symptoms. The monthly spot is a great teller though haha

This is such great info for dancers who menstruate regardless of gender :)

Yesss!!! Thank u so much for making this video!! I’m 14 and started dance a little while ago and have had problems too! 💕💕💕💕

Thanks for posting! I'm probably getting my last period, as I'm currently undergoing testosterone treatments to transition to be a guy :) Love how you're so open about this, it made me feel so much more comfortable watching this video!

This video was so engaging even though I already knew what was said that I didn’t think to comment until the outro. I think Kathryn morgan has that tights thing on her channel on a random video and have been wanting to do it. I’m definitely going to with an old pair when I get back from dance Xoxo, Nora

Hello Miss Claudia! This is such an amazing video I love how you are so comfortable about this topic! Question- I know with the virus it might be hard to film, but when are you making a new video?

How nice it woud have been to have youtube when I was young :) great video! I was 13 on a bus on my way to a scout camp for 9 days when I got my period, omg hahaha.

i have my first in the audition for swan lake. my mom always give me a couple of tampons for when it comes . i was wearing a blue leotard. remember jellybean? that is my favorite leotard.i love it so much. i,m a little sad my classes and preformance as a white swan are cancelled for a couple of months. because of the Coronavirus..

I legit had dance today and started my period just after I saw this vid

Thanks for sharing! But please girls (and Claudia ;) : consider menstrual cups! Tampons and pads make so much waste!!! Applicators make things easier, bute with a little bit of training, its soooo easy to apply a tampon without one - which saves a lot of plastic. Dear Claudia, you're such an inspiration to so many girls, you could really help make things better by raising awareness to the environmental aspects of your and our actions. Thank you :)

Thank you for this video, it was really nice to hear someone speak so open about it. Also that you told that a period is normal, because often teachers say, that it isn't normal or advising you to go on birth control. I also really like your tip to eat enough red meat in the period. But as a vegetarian that's difficult. My Chinese friend told me that they drink black goji tea, and it actually really helps. I put 10 of them in a mug and add boiling water. For me one mug a day is already enough. It really helped me to keep up on that days even when I felt a bit tired before.

Kathryn Morgan, in her video about periods, suggested also wearing two pairs of tights when you have your period.

I’m expected to be on my period on my ballet/pointe showcase 😔

My mom never told me a thing! I wish you were around way back then. 🙂

Sorry to hear about your mum 😕 and thank you for sharing, luv your videos BTW I absolutely luv the nylon shirt idea 💡

Anyone else get super balloted during there period Nope just me ok

this video is so so necessary for dancers - thank you so much for posting!!

Thank you for giving such Great advice. You should do a colaboration with the Rybka twins!

Great advice. Thanks Claudia 💜

I use reusable period products. I can't imagine dancing and wearing them. (a cup would work). Menstrual underwear would be okay maybe. Pads probably not, you would maybe see it through the tights/leo

I know this video is a year old but just wanted to say thank you. I was searching for a video to help my 12 yr old dancer and this was perfect.

I love that you did this!!!

Mum Claudia 🥺💖

bruh i was literally gonna watch one of mackenzies vids after this, when you mentioned her I was like :0

Keep up the fab videos Claudia and thank you for listening to and responding to your subscribers comments/ video requests. Ps I’m sure Mackenzie will love the mention, she’s a dude like you!

It's so good you're doing this.

Bathing suit bottoms are great. Easy to clean leaks, stays tight against your body unlike regular undies.

0:35 I wonder what the guy at the back was thinking lol 😂

I was the same as you about not taking pain relief for many years. One of the best things I ever did was to start taking ibuprofen for my bad cramps which only happen on the first day for me. I don’t know why I tortured myself for so long by not taking anything. Before, I would struggle to get out of bed whereas now I can be (somewhat) functional. Btw if you do need pain relief, ibuprofen and aspirin can inhibit the hormone that causes cramps (prostaglandin) so I would recommend either of those. Paracetamol doesn’t have the same effect.

As for performance on stage and having your period, you may be paranoid (that’s normal) but unless you’re 4 hours on stage without a break, I recommend you go change your tampon often, and I personally used a very thin liner in a thong for those occasions that demanded it. Honestly though, the times you will be on your heaviest day, on stage for a long time or with multiple quick change will be rare, so don’t fret too much... after a few tries, you’ll be fine.

I use a menstruation cup and I love it💕

Thank you so much for making this video! It was very helpful and you gave me a lot of tips that I’ve never heard before!☺️❤️

My ballet school has a uniform for leotards and the thing is its a pastel blue leotard 😬 so what do i do in this case? they also dont let us wear skirts :(

My ballet rehearsal got canceled. 😢 😭

Oh shout out to self isolated people! Definitely buy reusable pads or menstral cups and see if you get along with them! No worrying about embarrassing public moments (which have never actually happened for me!) and a lot of shops have run out around me. I would visit RedHerring and PreciousStars' KZfaq channels (and especially their playlists) to help choose the right products for you! :) Bryony the owner of PreciousStars in I think in her early 20s and has many videos from being younger and is also a competitive dancer and has reviewed the look of cloth pads in leotards! :)

Do you have any tips for dealing with lower back pain/aches? Mine are the worst right now 😣

CLAUDIA YOU LUCKY DUCK First period at 16??? I'm so jealous my goodness

Very well presented Claudia.

Great video, but hey let me tell you you should try MENSTRUAL CUP. I tried it few months ago and I am absolutely in love with it. You can move freely there i no leakage and most of the time I don't even know I have it! Plus tampons are really bad and can be dangerous because the chemicals they contain. So give it a try when you find the right size of cup it is absolute magic!

love the tights trick

Gazillion by the time you're around 27 to 29 the mensis has been with us for gazillion times. 😂