Eat for Performance
About Ecem
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M.S-RDN Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Student at Columbia University
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B.S. dual degree in Dietetics and, Nutrition and Health at Kansas State University
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Bolshoi Ballet Academy
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Pedagogical formation on the Russian System Theoretical and Methodological classical dance education
My Story
​​Ecem began her ballet journey at the age of four at Istanbul University State Conservatory. Her early talent led to opportunities as a child ballet dancer with the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, giving her valuable experience in professional performances from a young age. Ecem transferred to Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University State Conservatory, where she studied until 2016. She further enhanced her skills by attending summer intensives at the Royal Academy of Dance in London and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Connecticut and New York. Ecem performed at various national and international ballet festivals, including the Bodrum Ballet Festival and the Dance Open Ballet Festival where she performed at the Hermitage Theatre in St. Petersburg during the Young Stars Gala.Ecem won second prize in the classical ballet category at the Anna Pavlova Ballet Competition in The Hague, Netherlands. She then joined the Bolshoi Ballet Academy full-time in Moscow, Russia, where she continued her studies. She obtained her pedagogical formation on the Russian System theoretical and methodological classical dance education program to become a ballet teacher.​
Ecem holds a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Health from Kansas State University. During her time in Kansas State, she volunteered with dietitians across the U.S., gaining experience in areas such as sports nutrition, pre-and post-natal nutrition, clinical nutrition, diabetes, multicultural nutrition, gut and immune health, startup company management, social media management, and SEO blog writing for dietitians. She is currently pursuing her MS-RDN in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at Columbia University. Ecem combines her passion for sports with nutrition, understanding how proper dietary choices enhance performance, prevent injury, and aid in recovery.
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Ecem is the Assistant Artistic Director of the Columbia University Ballet Ensemble, mentor at Second Act New York City, and NYC Chapter Leader for the Bridge Dance Project. Through these roles, she mentors the next generation of dancers, helping them achieve longer, healthier careers.Ecem is currently involved in a research study at Columbia University, Teachers College examining the blood vessel function and balance in dancers.
