Psychological Aspects of Dance

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to review a range of psychology-related topics in dance including anxiety and dance performance, body image, eating disorders, and injury. While most of those were already present in the extant sport and exercise psychology literature, this article tried to discuss those as they specifically relate to dance and the psychology of it. Many findings showed overlaps with sports domains. For example, ballet dancers and other aesthetic athletes may frequently present body image and eating disorders issues. Psychological interventions can be very beneficial for group cohesion, self-confidence, and anxiety management. Educational interventions providing information on nutrition, exercise, and disordered eating are critical to decreasing depression, drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and maturity in dancers. Future research needs to examine the differences between dance styles, and further scientific research on psychological aspects of dance is required.