Nicola Peltz Transforms for Ballerina Lead in Upcoming Drama Prima
Nicola Peltz prepares for her most challenging role yet as Margo, a ballerina, in the indie drama Prima. Recent images of her slimmed-down figure have sparked health concerns, but her transformation stems from dedicated preparation for the film.
The movie synopsis hints at Margo’s inner turmoil: as events unfold, she questions whether life’s tough choices prove worthwhile, a dilemma many confront.
Rigorous Training and Strict Diet
To authentically portray the character, Peltz follows a disciplined diet and intense workout routine. She completes four months of demanding ballet sessions, dropping her weight below 100 pounds. Gym workouts complement her dance practice ahead of filming with Oscar winner Faye Dunaway later this year.
Peltz, fresh from her 2024 role in Lola, achieves this change naturally without weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. A source close to the production notes: “Nicola was committed to getting things exactly right for this role and it just proves her determination and dedication.” The insider adds: “There was also no way she was ever going to use the fat jab and so she’s done the work all herself.”
Earlier speculation linked her weight loss to personal matters, including family tensions, but the role announcement clarifies the reason.
Insights from Other Actresses’ Experiences
Playing a ballerina demands extreme commitment, as seen in past films. For Darren Aronofsky’s 2010 Black Swan, Mila Kunis trained relentlessly. She shared with Vogue: “My prep was a lot of dancing and very little eating – which I know you’re not supposed to say, but it’s the truth. I drank a lot of broth and danced for 12 hours a day.” Kunis later revealed to Harper’s Bazaar losing 20 pounds, altering her body permanently: “When I got down to 95 pounds, I was muscles, like a little brick house, but skin and bones.”
Jennifer Lawrence described her preparation for 2018’s Red Sparrow to Vanity Fair: “Red Sparrow was the first time that I was really hungry, and disciplined. I remember having a meltdown, freaking out that I had eaten five banana chips.”
Professional Ballet Realities
Professional dancers face even tougher routines daily. Australian Ballet alumna Isobelle Dashwood explains: “We rehearse six days a week from 10.30-6.30 and during performance seasons we usually have eight shows a week. Training is constant in ballet and we use our daily morning ballet class to refine our technique and warm our bodies up for the day of rehearsing ahead.”
On diet, she states: “Of course we have to maintain a diet of healthy foods but that is purely to fuel our bodies so we can physically do the things required of us.”
Social Media Teasers
Since October, Peltz shares her ballet progress on Instagram. She posts studio photos perfecting pliés with instructor Katie-Rose Cunin, dressed in a black leotard and white tutu. Peltz captions: “I’ve been training for the past month with my ballerina angel girl @katierosecunin for something really special… I love learning.”
She celebrated her 31st birthday in January with a ballerina-themed party, sharing cake photos and hugging her father Nelson Peltz. “Best birthday yet. I’m so grateful,” she wrote.
Recently, Peltz showcases her toned physique in mirror selfies, wearing sheer white tights and stilettos or a slipped cream robe.
Prima is in production, with no release date set.
