Cyclic patterns of high-risk behaviours within ballet culture

Area of Science:

• Sports Science and Psychology
• Dance Medicine
• Mental Health in Performing Arts

Background:

• Ballet culture is examined for its potential to foster body dysmorphia, eating disorders (EDs), perfectionism, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, substance use, sexual abuse, and injuries.
• Understanding the prevalence and impact of these issues is crucial for dancer well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the experiences of pre-professionally trained, professional, and retired ballet dancers regarding specific psychological and physical health concerns.
• To identify the presence and nature of body dysmorphia, EDs, perfectionism, OCD, anxiety, depression, substance use, sexual abuse, and injuries within the ballet environment.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative approach was employed, involving structured interviews with 10 female ballet dancers (aged 18-25).
• Interviews were conducted in-person or via Zoom, using open-ended questions to gather rich participant narratives.
• The Exercise Science Thematic Analysis Model, with a semantic and deductive focus, was used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Cyclic trauma emerged as the overarching theme, characterized by a lack of control, inconsistency, instability, and perfectionism.
• Body dysmorphia, EDs, mental health issues, and sexual violence were reported by all participants as problematic within ballet culture.
• Perfectionism (80%), lack of control (60%), and injuries (70%) were significant themes, while substance use was mentioned by 30% of participants.

Conclusions:

• Ballet environments present substantial health risk factors for dancers, including psychological distress and physical injuries.
• The study identified Complex-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) as an emergent theme requiring further research.
• Interventions are necessary to reduce the risks and harm associated with these prevalent health issues in ballet.