“….Stressed out from her hectic schedule, Ringer became physically and emotionally depleted. She says, “I would be so tired and I would think, `If I eat that extra—whatever—it would give me more energy the next day.’” Early in 1996, Ringer suffered a severe back injury that sidelined her for nine months. When she came back, she was heavier and began to lose parts. The company tried to put her in costumes with more coverage, but soon even that wouldn’t work. “It was mortifying,” says Ringer. “Dancing had become anathema for me.” At the close of the 1997 summer season, she left NYCB by mutual agreement, with the caveat that the door was always open…”
(Source: theballetblog)