Project RED‑D
What is RED‑D?
RED‑D stands for Relative Energy Deficiency in Dance which is the dance specific expression of REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport).
REDs occurs when a dancer’s energy intake doesn’t meet the physical and psychological demands of training, performance, and daily life. It’s more common than many realise.
What is Project RED‑D?
Project RED-D is a global initiative working to raise the visibility of this critical issue. Born from deep care and real-world experience, we work with dancers, parents, health professionals, and artistic leaders to raise awareness, prevent harm through education, and offer the tools to recognise and respond to energy deficiency.
This is how change happens.
Up to
60%of dancers may
be affected by
RED‑D
We address not just the physical effects of REDs like stress fractures, multiple injuries, illness, long-term hormonal disruption, but also the emotional impacts, which can include body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, mood disturbances/fluctuations, anxiety and stress.
We offer support in both these areas and believe in seeing the whole dancer, and in protecting the joy of dance through knowledge, support, and culture shift.
Latest Project RED-D news
The Launch of WHSP Medical
We were honoured to be at the launch of WHSP Medical, P.C.& Women's Health, Sports & Performance Institute (WHSP) in Boston, US
A reflection on a hidden cost of high performance: when joy disappears
Many dancers hit a point where life becomes entirely functional and there can be no space left for joy, creativity or connection - the very parts that made dance meaningful
BJSM study: Injury epidemiology in an elite ballet school
The study highlights that long-term, systematic injury surveillance shows a genuine commitment to understanding the realities of training, health, and performance in elite environments.
Project RED-D: The story so far and where we’re going
An update from the founder, Karen Sheriff