Beyond the Mirror: Confronting Body Image and the Hidden Struggles of the Dance World
Written by: Stage 8 Dance Brands Ambassador, Paisley Akers
I once believed that my struggle with food and body image was mine alone: a battle waged in the privacy of my mind. But as I stood in the dance studio during just another Monday night practice last week, I noticed the mannerisms of those around me—sucking in their stomachs, scrutinizing their reflections in the mirror, and adjusting their waistbands. It was then that I realized that my pain was just a fragment of a much larger crisis.
The dance world has long been a place of beauty and inspiration, but beneath the surface lies an often-overlooked reality: the immense pressures dancers face regarding body image, perfection, and performance. For many, including myself, these pressures can lead to a complicated and dangerous relationship with food and self-image. As a dancer who has faced the dark pull of anorexia and orthorexia, I know firsthand how easily the demands of dance can warp into self-destructive behaviors, often under the guise of “discipline” or “commitment to excellence.”
But let me make one thing clear—I don’t blame the sport I love. Dance is a beautiful art form that has shaped me in powerful ways, giving me a sense of purpose, belonging, and creative expression that I wouldn’t trade for anything. My struggle isn’t a direct result of dance but rather the cultural pressures around what a “perfect dancer” should look like. This is not a critique of dance; it’s a call to protect and support the dancers who devote themselves to it.
The Roots of the Problem
Dance is about control, precision, and beauty; dancers are conditioned to seek perfection in every movement. From an early age, many dancers are taught that success is tied to aesthetics—how “clean” lines are, how graceful movements appear, and how identical every person on the stage can look. It may not be the intention, but many dancers misconstrue this into believing their body type must fit a specific mold. This unrelenting pursuit of a particular image can create a breeding ground for eating disorders, where thinness becomes synonymous with success.
I remember the gradual shifts in my habits—cutting portions, skipping meals, choosing exercise over meals. What started as a commitment to my craft soon spiraled into restriction and obsession, stripping away the joy that dance once brought me. And I know that I’m not alone in this experience. Too often, young dancers embrace these destructive behaviors, interpreting them as markers of dedication rather than red flags of a deeper problem.
What Can Be Done?
To break the cycle of eating disorders in dance, we need to support dancers in building a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. By nurturing a supportive space where well-being is about more than physical performance but also embracing mental and emotional resilience, we can continue promoting positive body image in dance. Here are a few steps that can make a difference:
- Educate About Nutrition: Dance organizations should prioritize comprehensive, evidence-based nutrition education. When dancers understand the importance of fueling their bodies rather than depriving them, they can maintain strength and stamina for the rigorous demands of dance. One of the many reasons I love Stage 8 Dance Brands is their commitment to this education. At their Dance Connection Summer Intensive, juniors and seniors receive a dedicated class on nutrition, helping them build a strong foundation for a healthy relationship with food and fueling their passion for dance.
- Open Conversations and Support Networks: Breaking the stigma around eating disorders requires open, judgment-free conversations within the dance community. Having role models or mentors willing to share their stories can create an environment where dancers feel safe discussing their struggles.
- Encourage Positive Role Models: Dancers often seek professional guidance. Young dancers are likelier to follow their example if these role models embrace healthy body standards. As a dancer with lived experience, I aim to foster this healthy mindset for the young dancers I can impact.
A Hope for Change
Dance is an incredible art form that celebrates the limits and possibilities of the human body. But this celebration should never come at the cost of a dancer’s physical and mental health. My experience has taught me that while eating disorders can have a tight grip, recovery and a healthy relationship with dance are possible. I hope that by sharing my journey and reflecting on the issues I see within dance culture, I can help create an environment where dancers are encouraged to care for themselves as whole people, not just performers.
If you’re reading this as someone struggling, know you’re not alone. The dance world can be incredibly demanding, but your health, happiness, and well-being are worth more than any routine, performance, or accolade. Dance is a sport unlike any other, full of passion and joy. Together, as dancers, instructors, and supporters, we have the power to make sure it remains a place that inspires and uplifts everyone who steps onto the floor.
