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Ballet & Weight Obsession
The prevalence of eating disorders is regrettably high in female adolescent populations at .28%, so it may be shocking to learn that this prevalence is even higher in ballet dancers at 6.5% [1]
Clearly participating in ballet places individuals at a higher risk for disordered eating, but why is this the case and what, if anything, is being done to change it?
“Aesthetic Sports”
One of the well-proven theories regarding ballet is that weight obsession and eating disorders revolve around the nature of ballet itself.
Ballet, and sports similar to it, such as gymnastics, figure skating, or cheerleading, are known as “aesthetic sports.” These sports involve intense physical exercise and promote a very thin body shape for aesthetic reasons [1].
Aesthetic sports are associated with an increased risk of eating disorders as well as factors related to disordered eating such as elevated weight concerns, body dissatisfaction, and excessive dieting [2].
The emphasis on leanness being necessary for success often results in overwhelming environmental pressures that lead to unhealthy eating behaviors.
One study sadly reported that female ballet students aim for a Body Mass Index (BMI) below the 5th percentile, that is, less than 82% of normal weight [3]. This statistic is incredibly unnerving
Personality
Studies have also looked into the personalities of those that participate in ballet and those that develop an eating disorder and have found some similarities.
Young ballet students show a high prevalence of personality traits such as a drive for thinness, perfectionism, and competitiveness [1].
It isn’t known whether these personality traits would precipitate a disorder without ballet or not, but it is likely a combination of these traits and the nature of ballet itself contributes to eating disorder development.
Changing Tides
As our society shifts toward a culture of body diversity and body love, so do the aesthetic sports.
Those in the world of ballet began calling out the problem of weight obsession and eating disorders in 2012 when Dance UK in London hosted the first ever international conference on eating disorders [4].
Since then, ballet companies have started to shift toward a change in culture, with some declaring their commitment to changing their own behaviors in regards to body image, eating disorders, etc. and holding their companies accountable in continuing the change. While others are initiating healthcare programs developed to help dancers maintain their health and well-being [4].
One study examined the success of these programs and found that “multifaceted wellness programs adopted by ballet companies…actively support the physical and mental health of dancers [4].”
Despite this success, not all companies are heeding the call for change as quickly as others and dancers continue to suffer under the unrealistic and overwhelming pressure to maintain an impossibly thin physique while exercising and rehearsing so intensely.
The truth of the matter is that our society once believed that only one type of body was beautiful, therefore, beautiful art had to depict those bodies.
This is no longer the case.
The tide is turning as we embrace the truth that all bodies are beautiful, no matter how they move or what they look like.
Hopefully, the ballet industry continues to push toward progress in this matter so that more beautiful and diverse stories can be told by beautiful and diverse people.
About the Author: Margot Rittenhouse is a therapist who is passionate about providing mental health support to all in need and has worked with clients with substance abuse issues, eating disorders, domestic violence victims and offenders, and severely mentally ill youth.
As a freelance writer for Eating Disorder and Addiction Hope and a mentor with MentorConnect, Margot is a passionate eating disorder advocate, committed to de-stigmatizing these illnesses while showing support for those struggling through mentoring, writing, and volunteering. Margot has a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
References:
[1] Toro, J. et al. (2009). Eating disorders in ballet dancing students: problems and risk factors. European Eating Disorders Review, 17:1, 40-49.[2] Davison, K. K., Earnest, M. B., Birch, L. L. (2002). Participation in aesthetic sports and girls’ weight concerns at 5 and 7 years. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 31:3, 312-317.
[3] Bettle, N., Bettle, O. (2001). Body image and self-esteem in adolescent ballet dancers. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 93, 297-309.
[4] Ringer, J. (2016). The cult of the thin. Dance Magazine. Retrieved on 25 January 2018 from http://www.dancemagazine.com/the-cult-of-thin-2307026233.html.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published on April 30, 2018.
Reviewed on April 30, 2018 by Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
