[3] A colleague, Kyra Strasberg, called Guenther, "a very, very talented dancer with a gorgeous light jump.
[9] Guenther wrote a note to herself for that summer vacation, renewing her commitment to lose weight, "They always pick people for parts who are skinny.
"[11] While the Boston Ballet did counsel her to gain weight, Guenther's mother noticed that the thinner her daughter was, the more dancing roles she was given.
Along with the use of medication to lose weight, many of Heidi's friends stated that she had an unhealthy relationship with purging, as well as skipping meals.
[13] Her family filed a wrongful death suit in 2000, against the Boston Ballet, for putting excessive pressure on Guenther to lose weight.
[16] Guenther's death "was a wake-up call for everyone," causing ballet companies to treat eating disorders as a "top priority.
"[17] Immediately after her death, some American ballet companies said they would change their policies or offer extra information about eating disorders.
[6] Her death caused the Boston Ballet to begin nutrition counseling, onsite therapists, wellness seminars and help with weight control.