Body Image-Dancer Edition

Many dancers struggle with body image due to industry standards, which can results in different mental health struggles: eating disorders and body dysmorphia. The industry standards are different based on the different genres of dance and gender norms. Typically, ballerinas are expected to have long limbs, slim figures, and amazing flexibility. Modern and contemporary dance, on the other hand, is open to diverse body types. In terms of male and female, males are supposed to be muscular while females are supposed to be slender and graceful.

Research has shown that dancers, especially ballerinas, are three times more likely to develop eating disorders than the general population. A lot of the dancers will severely restrict their food intake or attempt to vomit their food(anorexia nervosa and bulimia). Although athletes may also develop these issues, a 2023 study shows a higher percentage of dancers having eating disorders than other athletes.

Both male and female in the dance industry are dissatisfied with their bodies. Around sixty to eighty percent of all dancers have body dysmorphia, which is almost always the pressure to lose weight that comes from choreographers and coaches. Additionally, eighty three percent of female dancers feel the pressure to be thin and twenty eight percent of male dancers feel the pressure to bulk up.