How does body image affect dancers?

In a 2009 study comparing street-dancers and non-dancers, Swami and Tovée found that street-dancers had significantly higher body appreciation. Similarly, contemporary or modern dancers have been reported to have more body appreciation and less discrepancy between actual and ideal body image (Swami & Harris, 2012).

What is body image in dance?

In dance, body image is not only about maintaining a certain weight; it can also refer to specific perceived body flaws. Dancers are usually expected to be slim, well-proportioned, and toned and they are put under a great deal of pressure to maintain these traits.

What percent of dancers have body image issues?

But do you know just how prominent this issue is? Here are some facts that may surprise you: According to statistics compiled by the University of Washington, 53 percent of American girls are unhappy with the way they look at age 13. By the time these young women are 17, 78 percent are displeased with their bodies.

Can dancing lead to a positive body image?

It has been suggested that, at beginner levels, dance participation may promote positive body image because it allows individuals to develop a sense of body empowerment (Burgess, Grogan, & Burwitz, 2006).

What is the ideal dancer body?

In reality, the ideal physique for a female classical dancer is slim, with a long neck, a shortish to medium length torso, long legs with complimentary long arms and high insteps. The height requirements of dancers are really designated by the ballet companies hiring.

Is body image a minor issue of a dancer?

Whatever the case for you or your dancers, body image issues aren’t only prevalent in dance, but in our society as a whole. There are many reasons for this. Likewise, many girls are developing body image issues younger and younger as they see others making critical remarks about their body types.

How can a dancer maintain his her body image?

5 Simple Strategies for Improving Body Image (that you can start doing right now)

Go on a “negative-thought” diet.
Externalize criticism and critique.
Use the mirror as a helpful tool, rather than a hindering one.
Stop comparing yourself to others, and start comparing yourself to your self.
Get IN your body, NOW.

What is an ideal body image?

“Ideal” body image is the phrase used to refer to the body size determined by one’s cultural group to epitomize beauty and/or success in achievement of the optimum physical state as defined by that group.

What is a dancer body type?

When people talk about a “dancer body,” they’re typically referring to a body that’s long and lean. It’s often associated with slimmer frames. The term is used to describe a specific look. This is what will make you feel good and strong, along with eating well, staying active, and viewing your body in a positive light.

What are the 4 aspects of body image?

The four aspects of body image:

The way you see yourself (Perceptual)
The way you feel about the way you look (Affective)
The thoughts and beliefs you feel about your body (Cognitive)
The things you do in relation to the way you look (Behavioural)

How does dance affect your body image as a dancer?

Remember that body image is a global term that refers to multiple aspects of your appearance and is influenced by many factors. This includes dance-specific factors such as training environment, personality traits, and identity. As dancers, we are constantly scrutinising and being judged on our appearance.

Are there dancers who have negative body images?

Not all dancers have negative body images but if you know any who do please help them. Please show them that there is a difference between staying in shape and punishing themselves. They need to know that there is a difference between being hard on themselves and beating themselves up.

What are the psychological traits of a dancer?

Dancers are often characterised or defined by certain psychological traits. When compared to the general population, dancers have more perfectionistic tendencies, or desires to be flawless (Nordin-Bates, Cumming, Aways, & Sharp, 2011). Perfectionism can be a barrier to improved body satisfaction and body image (Cumming & Duda, 2012).

Do you have distorted idea of your body image?

Most of us have a distorted idea of our image. There are dancers striving to lose a “last 5 pounds,“ that does not exist. There are perfectly healthy dancers obsessing over thighs that touch or a stomach that rolls when sitting. They do all they can to lose weight but, much like the scale, nothing happens.

How does body image affect dancers? In a 2009 study comparing street-dancers and non-dancers, Swami and Tovée found that street-dancers had significantly higher body appreciation. Similarly, contemporary or modern dancers have been reported to have more body appreciation and less discrepancy between actual and ideal body image (Swami & Harris, 2012). What is body image…