“My body is my business card”: Perceptions about nutrition, body appreciation, and eating disorders among female professional dancers

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate perceptions about nutrition, body appreciation, and eating disorders (EDs) among female professional dancers as they are a group at increased risk of developing EDs and body dissatisfaction. Ten Brazilian participants were interviewed and assessed through a socio-demographic questionnaire. The transcriptions of the interviews were further analyzed using the Reflective Thematic Analysis technique, which encompassed three themes: (1) Attitudes Toward Nutrition, (2) Perceptions of the Body within Dance, and (3) Psychological Impacts of the Dance Environment. The reports indicate the overvaluation of a lean body in the professional dance environment. Teachers and choreographers were seen as important figures in the development trajectory of dancers. Puberty emerged as the most sensitive period of pressure to fit into the dance aesthetic standard. Implementing educational and preventive strategies to alleviate potential harm caused by the demanding and socially pressured environment of professional dance, particularly concerning body image, weight, and shape are suggested.