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Dancers: Are you in
a high-risk studio for injuries or eating disorders?
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First of all, let me preface this with the fact
that I believe the vast majority of dance studios are supportive and
nurturing environments. I am also of the belief that few studios or
teachers would willingly and knowingly put their dancers in harm's way by
asking them to behave in such a way that increased their risk of injury or
disordered eating. That said, the mere fact that dance is an aesthetic
art leaves the door open for unscrupulous studios or instructors whose
practices are not compatible with safe and effective training
and/or the development of a healthy body image. Here are some warning
signs that something may be amiss, coming from the perspective of both an
exercise physiologist and a former professional dancer:
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If a teacher makes comments about a dancer's weight in front of other
students, parents, or teachers, this is not a supportive teacher; in fact,
this behavior can be extremely damaging.
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If a teacher or studio demands that a dancer goes on a diet and/or
requests that she lose weight, the teacher or studio is behaving outside
of her/their scope of practice. The only person who can make such
recommendations is a physician or registered dietitian. If a teacher
or studio is truly concerned about a dancer's health as effected by her
weight, their only input should be that of referring the dancer to a
qualified professional for further evaluation.
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If the studio has mandatory weigh-ins or any weight restrictions, grab
your dance bag and high-tail it outta there!
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If dancers are forced to dance full-out despite the presence of an injury
(in a rehearsal, for example), and there's been no attempt to contact
the physician for input on tolerable levels of exercise, this can be
extremely dangerous for the dancer (both long-term and short-term).
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It's hard as heck to respect the following warning--and remember, I've
been there, so I know how it feels! But honest to goodness,
dancers should ABSOLUTELY NOT be allowed to go en pointe before they are
ready and/or at too young an age. Such an action is
irresponsible and potentially crippling. This works both ways; if a
studio seems eager to throw dancers en pointe without sufficient strength,
they ought to be viewed with suspicion. If, on the other hand, a
teacher feels strongly that the time is not yet right, their opinion
should be respected. As a former dance teacher, I can promise you,
no teacher wants to hold a dancer back needlessly; we do it for the safety
of the dancer.
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If a studio or teacher encourages restricted eating, dieting, and
other methods of weight management that are outside the realms of
reasonable, nutritious eating, drop 'em like a low-fat, unbuttered, hot
potato!
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Studios who encourage competitiveness in the area of body appearance
make my blood boil. I hope they do the same to you!
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If a teacher is still using that tired, error-ridden phrase, "You can
never be too rich or too thin!" it's time to find another teacher.
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If a dancer suddenly loses a tremendous amount of weight, starts to look
emaciated, and appears preoccupied with her appearance, this certainly
can suggest the presence of an eating disorder or other serious health
condition. A responsible studio or teacher will address the concern,
in private, to the dancer and her parents. An irresponsible studio
or teacher will reward this change of appearance with roles that require a
great deal of partnering. See the difference?
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Finally, if a studio maintains an attitude that the changes which
accompany the onset of puberty--breasts, hips, and increase in body
fat--are "bad" or "unattractive," it's time to make some phone calls and
find the studio that won't make girls feel apologetic or self-conscious
for (gasp!) possessing a normal biology!
-ep
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