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Breaking the Mold
Redefining Body Image and Inclusivity in Ballet
A stereotypical thin ballerina doll with a pink tutu, Amazon
By Cameron Erickson ‘28 and Kathryn Perez ‘28 in Fall 2024
When you think of ballet, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the image of a slender ballerina in a delicate pink tutu. This long-standing stereotype has endured, largely due to the rigid standards imposed on dancers to maintain extreme thinness. According to a recent article in Psychology Today, the reality for most professional ballet dancers is often stark: many feel dissatisfied with their bodies, leading them to be more vulnerable to eating disorders. Adolescent ballet dancers aged 12 to 18 exhibit a notably higher prevalence of eating disorders compared to their peers in the general population. Studies indicate that approximately 16.4% of ballet dancers are affected by eating disorders, whereas the prevalence among adolescents in the general population ranges from 0.3% to 1.3% for males. This disparity underscores the significant impact of the ballet environment on the mental health and well-being of young dancers.
Many aspiring dancers begin their training as children, subjecting themselves to damaging ideals from a young age. As they mature, the pressure to remain slim intensifies. Colette Reidy, a 14-year-old dancer from Marin, shared her perspective: “Ballet pretty much revolves around how you look. You do get to express yourself, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to how you look on stage.” The impact of this mindset can be profound, often detrimentally affecting dancers' self-esteem. Low self-esteem can spiral into mental health concerns like anxiety and depression, which can have grim consequences. Irene, another dancer from Marin, revealed, “One of my very close friends struggles with an eating disorder, and being in the dance studio for hours, looking at her reflection, has made it worse. Being in such a strict environment, where everyone often compares their bodies to one another, made her insecure about her own. This negative environment caused my friend to lose her love for dance. I think that if the dance community created a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all body types, more people would look forward to dancing.”
Social influences are not limited to dance studios; the media also plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions. Dancer Mika commented, “I think it’s toxic for all dancers, especially because many dancers are young females who see how other young females and dancers are portrayed in the media. This can lead to serious dieting, eating disorders, and long-term body image issues.” This perspective highlights the media's considerable influence on body image expectations. Reidy further elaborated on the challenges within the studio environment: “You have to stare at yourself in the mirror for hours.” The constant reflection, combined with form-fitting uniforms, can amplify body image concerns. Tight bodysuits and tights often lead to negative self-perception as dancers scrutinize their appearance for extended periods.
Dancer Colleen Werner who is advocating for plus-size representation in ballet, Dance Magazine
Still, there is a glimmer of hope, as some ballet studios are beginning to shift towards promoting a more inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, social media influencers are sharing body positivity messages, recounting their experiences as plus-size women who have taken up ballet. While much work remains on the road to reform, many studio leaders are starting to challenge and alter the unsustainable standards of ballet, striving to create a healthier and more inclusive dance community. One Marin dancer suggested increasing visibility for role models of various body types in top ballet companies to move away from the traditional, stick-thin ballerina stereotype that impacts the mental and physical well-being of dancers. As the ballet community begins to address these pressing issues, the hope is to inspire a new generation of dancers who can express themselves freely, without being bound by unrealistic expectations of their bodies.
The traditional narratives surrounding ballet and body image have long perpetuated harmful stereotypes. As highlighted by the experiences of young dancers, the pressure to conform to unrealistic ideals can lead to serious health issues, including eating disorders and diminished self-esteem. The evolving dialogue within the ballet community, however, offers a promising shift towards inclusivity and acceptance. By challenging established norms and promoting diverse representations of body types, the industry can foster a more supportive environment. As ballet studios and dancers embrace body positivity and challenge toxic standards, there lies a significant opportunity to empower future generations to celebrate their individuality and passion for dance, free from the constraints of societal expectations. Ultimately, creating a culture of acceptance not only enriches the art form but also nurtures the well-being of all dancers, allowing them to thrive both on and off the stage.
Sources: Pirkko Markula,“Is Ballet Bad for Body Image?”Grace B Ohashi, Shirley B Wang, Rebecca M Shingleton, Matthew K Nock, “Body dissatisfaction, ideals, and identity in the development of disordered eating among adolescent ballet dancers,”Arcelus, Jon, Gemma L. Witcomb, Alex Mitchell, “Prevalence of Eating Disorders amongst Dancers: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis.” European Eating Disorders review
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