Dance educators play a pivotol role in dancer’s relationship with food and body.
Dance educators hold a pivotal role in shaping the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of their students. With up to 5-7 hours of a dancer’s day spent in the studio, educators influence not only their technical growth and artistic development but also their self-esteem, body image, and overall health. Dancers often look to their teachers, choreographers, and directors for guidance, support, and safety, which includes addressing sensitive issues related to food, body image, and the culture surrounding them.
The intense, high-pressure environment of dance culture often emphasizes physical appearance, making dancers particularly vulnerable to the development of disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image challenges. The reliance on leotards, tights, and mirrors sets a stage for body comparisons, and negative body image can spiral into unhealthy eating patterns. In this context, the responsibility of dance educators extends beyond the technical aspects of dance. Educators are on the frontlines, tasked with fostering an environment that prioritizes long-term health and career longevity while addressing these concerns proactively.
Here are key responsibilities of dance educators to help mitigate the risks of disordered eating and promote a healthy body image:
- Modeling a healthy relationship with food and body.
- Encouraging regular opportunities for refueling and hydration during training.
- Identifying early signs of disordered eating.
- Promote a healthy work-life balance while encouraging motivation and drive.
By adopting these strategies, dance educators can play an instrumental role in reducing the prevalence of disordered eating and body image issues in the dance world. This article outlines five effective approaches for educators to create a healthier and more supportive studio environment.
#1: Recognize the Signs of Disordered Eating
What’s The Difference Between Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating?
Educators must understand that a dancer doesn’t need to be formally diagnosed with an eating disorder to be struggling with body image or food. A 2008 survey showed that at least 65% of American women struggle with some form of disordered eating. This is especially true given the normalization and even glorification of restrictive eating habits in our culture.
Eating disorder diagnosis is often dependent on the degree of symptoms (like avoiding X amount of food Y times a week or partaking in X behaviors Y times a week). Eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder each have specific diagnostic criteria. However, conditions like orthorexia— an obsessive focus on “healthy” eating— are increasingly prevalent among dancers and can often go unnoticed. Misdiagnosis is common due to biases (such as assuming individuals in larger bodies aren’t struggling) and lack of access to adequate mental health care. Though insidious, disordered eating and eating disorders often come with warning signs (more discussed here).
Obvious signs of disordered eating may include:
- Body checking
- Self-deprecating body comments
- Diet talk and obsessive conversations about dieting or “healthy eating”
- Dieting habits (like food avoidance)
Subtler signs to look for include:
- Inflexible eating patterns
- Emotional distress around food
- Preoccupation with “health” or the “right” ingredients
- Excessive focus on body weight or “wellness” trends”
If you suspect a dancer is struggling, approach the situation with care and empathy. Private, non-judgmental conversations, along with offering resources (which we’ll discuss below), go a long way in providing support.
#2: Model A Healthy Relationship With Food and Body
Dancers are often perfectionists, and this trait can bleed into their relationship with food and their bodies. The constant pressure to maintain an “ideal” body type can lead to an unhealthy obsession with nutrition and exercise. We also know that discussions around thinness can increase a dancer’s risk of the development of eating disorders later on. Dance educators need to lead by example, demonstrating a balanced, non-judgmental attitude toward food and body image.
Avoid using triggering language about food, even when discussing your eating habits. Remember, there are no “good” or “bad” foods, and eating should never be framed as something “right” or “wrong.” Dancers should feel empowered to make food choices that support their training without fear of judgment.
If concerns arise in your studio, reach out to licensed professionals specializing in nutrition and disordered eating. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who are versed in disordered eating can provide education. Here are a few free and paid resources that can be provided to dancers:
- The Healthy Dancer® Survival Guide dives into the nutrient needs of dancers through the various stages of their year (ie: summer intensives and audition season to winter performances).
- The Healthy Dancer® Studio Package includes a downloadable set of handouts focused on performance nutrition and meal planning for dancers.
- Nurturing The Healthy Dancer® Workshop provides schools and companies with an interactive group experience to bring nutrition education to their dancers.
#3: Support Consistent Refueling and Hydration
Dancers need to be adequately fueled and hydrated to perform at their best, starting with breaks for food and drink during training. Dance educator Caitlin Sloan highlights that “the role of educators isn’t to give nutrition advice but to cultivate an environment where dancers feel safe and supported in maintaining their physical well-being.”
Educators should collaborate with directors to ensure there are opportunities during rehearsals for dancers to refuel and hydrate. Providing access to nutritious, easily accessible snacks between classes and performances can help dancers maintain their energy and avoid fatigue. A training table is a meal that is eaten together, such as a pre-performance fueling party. Fueling stations can be set up as permanent or temporary food and drink distribution areas in studios, at competitions, or during performances. Convenient and easily digestible grab-and-go options are helpful. For college dance programs, meals and snacks can be provided by campus food service.
#4: Encourage Diversity and Body Neutrality
In many studios, body diversity can be overlooked, contributing to a narrow, often harmful view of what a dancer “should” look like. It’s essential to foster an inclusive, body-neutral environment where dancers are encouraged to celebrate their individuality and focus on their abilities rather than conforming to a specific physical ideal.
Body neutrality— acknowledging that bodies come in all shapes and sizes— is a powerful tool to combat body image struggles in dance. As an art, dancers should focus on their abilities to communicate with an audience, regardless of their skin color, body shape, or size. Provide resources that help shift the focus away from body shape to body appreciation, including:
- The Healthy Dancer® 5-Day Body Confidence Challenge is an online program that helps dancers develop a supportive body image.
- The Healthy Dancer® Winter Intensive involves group coaching that dives into healthy relationships with food and body, tailored to dancers.
#5: Involve Parents and Guardians
Dance requires a supportive, well-rounded team approach, and parents and guardians play a vital role. Educate them on the physical demands of dance, the risks of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), and the unique nutritional needs of dancers. Parent education helps build a foundation of support for dancers both inside and outside the studio.
Involving parents in creating and maintaining refueling stations can be helpful, but studios should also be mindful of the financial constraints of families. Group fundraising efforts or creating communal resources can ensure all families can contribute without financial strain.
Key Takeaways: Reduce the risks of disordered eating in studios
Every dancer deserves a studio environment that prioritizes health and well-being. Dance educators are in a prime position to foster such an environment by recognizing the warning signs of disordered eating, modeling healthy behaviors, and offering the necessary resources for dancers to thrive. Educators can also reassure dancers and parents that recovery from disordered eating and body image struggles is possible, with the proper guidance and support. By fostering a culture of compassion and understanding, dance educators can help create a safe space for dancers to grow—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
