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Ballet research project: causes of eating disorders in dancers
Causes of Eating Disorders in Dancers
Ballerinas Then vs. now
Over time society's general expectation of what a dancer is "supposed to look like" has changed. We are now seeing more diversity and acceptance in dancers, especially ballerinas. Social expectations from teacher to student relationships (then) to more social media and television (now) are one of the causes of potential eating disorders in dancers. So the diversity movement is really beneficial in the growth of dancers feeling less obliged to do certain things to stay relevant and popular to both their companies and the audiences that come to watch the shows.
then
In the past this criteria was a lot more enforced.
now
Today, more diverse body types have been accepted instead a ridiculed into the ballet world
different body types in average size women
different body types in average size women
Different women have different body types yet the "ideal" ballerina body doesn't change. Most ballerinas are naturally thin. It is the same concept as most gymnasts being short and stocky. It is just a matter what your niche is. What can you do that fits your body. However, sometimes the strong to become a ballet dancer graces people that aren't naturally thin and have those different body types. These people then sometimes go to the extreme to fit criteria.
Different body types of average women
All people are born naturally with different body types some are born with the ballet body and some aren't
All sports and things have different criterias
All sports and things have different criterias
All sports have different criteria it's just so that you can perform at your best ballet is no different.
Reasons for eating disorders in dancers
For dancers that aren't naturally thin and have problems fitting into expected ballet body ideals. There is potential in developing eating disorders.
Reasons for eating disorders in dancers
There are three potential factors in the development of eating disorders
1. Genetics
2. Cultural Expectations
3. Social Expectations
genetics
It is all a matter of your family and where you come from. Most ballet dancers have thin genetics and for people that do not it is really hard to stick to the criteria of the ballet. Most dancers that are selected for national have lower family obesity problems.
Cultural Expectations
Also cultural expectations have a role in the potential development of eating disorders. For example, more middle class white women are put into to rigorous proffesional schools at young ages then black women. In these schools it is more expected to perform with the highest quality. These expectations can then pressure girls into being perfect or trying to get close to it.
social expectations
Social Expectations from teacher to student relationships in classes to the audience judging performers when the dancers are on stage can pressure dancers to take the extreme with eating disorders so therefore they can keep they're spot on company
social expectations
Sometimes things that are said from dance teachers or directors can unintentionally encourage eating disorders. For example, asking a student to lose weight. This of course is not meant to malicious however sometimes things can be interpreted wrong.
lastly
There are many different reasons for eating disorders and as a dance community we are evolving in the fact that we're accepting body types which is honestly only one piece to a big puzzle.
lastly
works cited
works cited
“Who says that only one body type works for dance?” Sarah Bartrum, 11 Mar. 2014, sarahbartrum.wordpress.com/2014/03/10/who-says-that-only-one-body-type-works-for-dance/.
Nuñez, Alanna. “Misty Copeland's Inspiring New UA Ad Is a Must-See.” Shape Magazine, Shape Magazine, 1 Aug. 2014, www.shape.com/blogs/fit-famous/misty-copelands-under-armour-ad-proves-she-has-right-body-ballet.
“Teen Ballerina Celebrated for Showing Body Diversity: 'I Like Being a Role Model to Others'.” PEOPLE.com, people.com/bodies/teen-ballerina-body-diversity-lizzy-howell/.
“#UNVEILED Magazine.” HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR BODY SHAPE, unveiledmagazine.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-determine-your-body-shape.htmll
Mizuka. “Comparison of Bodytypes for Different Sports.” EBaumsWorld: Funny Videos, Pictures, Soundboards and Jokes, www.ebaumsworld.com/pictures/comparison-of-bodytypes-for-different-sports/84507550/.