Sustaining Health in Professional Ballet: Insights into Autonomy, Shared Expertise and Open Communication

Objectives: To explore the perceptions of dancers and the supporting staff regarding the management of dancers' health in a professional ballet company. Methods: Twenty-two dancers, health team members, artistic staff and administrators were interviewed, focusing on what is a healthy dancer, as well as the challenges and facilitators to prevent and manage health within the company. Analysis was conducted using principles of Grounded Theory. Results: Participants mentioned that being a healthy dancer was based on three main concepts: (1) achieving a dynamic balance of load through self-implemented strategies, (2) receiving support from their team and (3) navigating the aspects inherent to the professional ballet context. Dancers had to maintain a dynamic balance where they would adapt their load according to a constant assessment of their state (ie, pain, fatigue) and situations (ie, casting, opportunities, career). This dynamic balance was impacted by the support dancers receive from their entourage. They needed to establish relationships built on trust to ensure efficient communication and collaboration. Once established, the dancers' entourage contributed to their assessment and the load adaptation strategies. The assessment and adaptation of load by dancers and the support provided were also influenced by contextual elements of ballet culture, including time and financial resources. Conclusion: To provide comprehensive care for dancers and maintain a dynamic balance, it is essential to empower dancers in their self-strategies through education and creating a positive work environment where open communication is encouraged.