Female ballet dancers have long faced the pressure to maintain a slender appearance while also being strong enough to perform physically demanding movements. Researchers at the Performing Arts Medicine Clinic at UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth are studying how these sacrifices can affect a dancer’s health, specifically their bone health. Dr. Stephen Fung, a Performing Arts Medicine Fellow, was motivated to find out why dancers experience stress injuries and fractures through his personal experience as a Dancesport competitor.
Dr. Fung’s research focuses on women dancers, acknowledging the biological differences that can impact their health. He highlights the importance of addressing the aesthetics that young dancers are concerned about during their training, which may lead to body image issues and eating disorders among those seeking a certain look.
Bethany Bailey, a dance student and teacher at TCU, adds to the discussion by mentioning the prevalence of eating disorders in the dance community. She emphasizes the importance of promoting a healthy mindset and body image in dance departments. Bailey shares her personal experience with ballet, which she has been involved in since childhood.
Dr. Yein Lee, the Fellowship Director at UNT Health Science Center, mentions that they often see these issues in clinic from a sports medicine perspective. She observes a cultural shift within the dance world towards prioritizing the health and well-being of dancers. The goal of their research is to create a self-assessment checklist for women ballet dancers to identify their risk factors and promote their overall health and enjoyment of dancing. Ultimately, the research aims to support dancers in staying healthy while pursuing their passion for dance.
