Bodily Integrity

It is well-established, both anecdotally and through research, that dancers are particularly susceptible to psychological challenges related to body image, often referred to as body dissatisfaction. These issues can often lead to intentional under-fuelling as a strategy to prevent weight gain—an approach that can result in low energy availability and, over time, contribute to the development of REDs.

The development of body dissatisfaction is an inherent mental health risk within dance training. It is the responsibility of educators and trainers working with young dancers to acknowledge the reality of such risks and proactively address them. A key aspect of this involves critically examining and reshaping the prevailing attitudes within the dance community, particularly the entrenched ideal that equates extreme thinness with artistic success and professional viability. Prioritising this aesthetic over health is not only outdated but dangerous.

One powerful avenue for change lies in the intentional use of language. The way we speak about bodies, weight, and appearance can either reinforce harmful norms or help dismantle them. Mindful, inclusive, and respectful language is an essential tool in creating a healthier and more supportive environment for dancers.

It cannot be denied that 'body shaming' as it is commonly known, has a long and troubling history within ballet training. It has caused deep emotional harm, particularly to vulnerable young dancers. It remains a significant contributing factor to the development of body dissatisfaction, often paving the way to disordered eating and eating disorders.

In some cases, body shaming has been explicit and overt—where dancers whose bodies do not conform to the traditional aesthetic have been met with harsh judgment and nasty remarks. In other instances, it has occurred more subtly but no less deliberately—through coded language, indirect comments, or passive-aggressive references made in studio environments. And sometimes, harm has been done unintentionally, through careless or insensitive language when discussing physical appearance, or having such discussions without any good need for them in the first place.

The concept of bodily integrity can be used as a guiding principle to prevent both intentional and unintentional forms of body shaming from taking place. Bodily integrity refers to the right of every individual to maintain the autonomy, dignity, and sanctity of their own body. It has relevance to the issue of body image, which can be understood as an individual’s internal perception, emotional experience, and cognitive evaluation of their own physical appearance. Any comment or discourse regarding someone’s body—whether intentional or not—has the potential to negatively impact that image and, by extension, to violate their right to bodily integrity. If embraced as a value, bodily integrity can serve to guide and limit how language is used in relation to the body and physical appearance of the dancer.

A helpful starting point would be to accept and assert that evaluative commentary, remarks or discourse on the physical characteristics of dancers, especially characteristics such as weight, build, musculature, skin complexion and hair texture, is not only unnecessary and not needed, but has the potential to be harmful, and therefore should not be allowed. Given that dance is an art form rooted in physical expression, it is crucial to ask: How can we speak about the body in ways that honour its role in the art form, without causing psychological harm? This question should be central to dance education, encouraging teachers, choreographers, and the broader dance community to adopt language and practices that affirm dancers’ well-being, celebrate bodily diversity, and uphold the right of every dancer to feel safe, respected, and valued in their own body. Bodily integrity can be

a valuable guiding principle in developing healthy dance teaching practices, minimising harm and safeguarding the physical and mental health of dancers of all ages.

Christian Uitzinger Educational and Counselling Psychologist