I love the “regular Mom” stuff.

-Romy

Personally, I think that what sparks that defensive reaction from those in the ballet world is the flawed implication that because there is a high incidence of eating disorders in ballet dancers, ballet causes eating disorders. The blame aspect. In my experience, whilst not always conducive to perfect health, neither ballet, nor ballet company directors, nor ballet masters/mistresses, nor ballet teachers are to blame.

The explanation for the high incidence of eating disorders in dancers is surely the high incidence of certain personality types in dancers. The traits which make for the best dancers – being hard working, eager to please, submissive, perfectionistic – are the same traits which are often manifest in those who fall victim to eating disorders. I do not suggest that these traits result necessarily in eating disorders, but, unfortunately, when combined with low self esteem, this, or other forms of self harm or destructive behaviour, can be the outcome.

There are other factors, of course, which also come into play, such as, as already discussed, the perception of the “perfect” dancer (both in terms of achieving the ideal body type and in working through the suffering traditionally linked to the art), necessary preoccupation with aesthetics, and a desire to make oneslf noticeable amongst a competitive crowd, but my sense is that if dancers’ self esteem is established and protected, these factors become simple inevitable realities, with solutions which are not centred around food and eating.

It is interesting that there is often little distinction made between the occurrence of eating disorders in professional dancers and eating disorders in dance students, since often the physically and emotionally weaker dancers are weeded out by selection, will or nature before becoming professionals. I also wonder about the stage at which self esteem (as distinct from more fluctuating confidence) is established – whether the teen years, or rather the student years, are key in this respect. If so, it would certainly seem to make sense to focus efforts on dance students.

These young and vulnerable kids are exposed to things which many would not encounter for a number of years, if at all – living away from home, serious competition, harsh criticism, rejection, total dedication to one single goal at the expense of many others, as well as the sheer volume of work. I’m not sure that kids are equipped to deal with all that, or that schools do all that they can to ensure that they are, if not protected from, then armed with the emotional skills and with the resources to keep them safe, happy, and well in the face of these challenges… So much energy is spent in making sure that the most talented dancers are in the right places with the right opportunities, but perhaps more could be done to ensure that this talent can blossom, and is not lost or broken altogether.

Please do note that all of the above is based purely on my own thoughts and perceptions following years struggling with and overcoming an eating disorder whilst at ballet school. I’m not sure about what schools other than mine might do differently, or indeed whether my school is now doing things differently from how it did a few years ago. I am sure, however, that the energy would be well invested, and that I should certainly like to play my part.