When Heidi Guenther, a successful 22 year old ballerina, died suddenly from a heart attack caused by a severe eating disorder, it became apparent to the public that something had to change in the world of ballet [1]. It is no secret that young dancers often develop an unhealthy relationship with food. Growing up surrounded by mirrors in an environment that encourages perfectionist tendencies and comparison to others can wreak havoc on one’s mental health. Furthermore, there is a culture of thinness in ballet that can easily influence dancers even in the healthiest, most supportive of studios.
Compared to the general public, dancers have three times the risk of developing an eating disorder [2]. This does not only affect the mental health of ballerinas; their physical performances can also be severely hindered. Specifically, an eating disorder known as Anorexia Nervosa can cause impaired judgment, weakness, and an increased risk of injury [3]. Beyond impairing performance—whether in a young, aspiring student or a seasoned professional—eating disorders can also lead to life-threatening, long-term health consequences. Anorexia is known to damage the heart muscle, reduce bone density, lead to hair loss, and cause significant dehydration[4]. Bulimia Nervosa, another eating disorder common among dancers, can cause heart failure, tooth decay, ruptured esophagus, and peptic ulcers [5]. Anorexia, Bulimia, and other eating disorders are deadly diseases that run rampant through the dance community, impairing development and destroying careers.
Although the tragic history of eating disorder-related trauma and deaths among dancers cannot be erased, the dance world has acknowledged this harsh reality and is now shifting toward promoting nutritional education and healthier habits. An increasing number of dancers are given the opportunity to develop their skills in nurturing environments that favor health over thinness, bringing a new strength and longevity to the world of dance.
Edited By: Jack Ringl
Designed By: Soojin Lee
References
[1] Mehren, E. and Ybarra, M.J. (1997, July 17). A Dancer’s Death Hints at ‘a Cult of Secrecy.’ Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-jul-17-ls-13399-story.html
[2] Arcelus, J., Witcomb, G. L., & Mitchell, A. (2014). Prevalence of eating disorders amongst dancers: a systemic review and meta-analysis. European eating disorders review: the journal of the Eating Disorders Association, 22(2), 92–101. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2271
[3] Eating Disorder Hope. Elite Athletes and Anorexia Nervosa: What Coaches, Trainers, Administrators & Parents Need to Know. https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/blog/symptoms- eating-disorders-athletes-anorexia#:~:text=Athletes%2C%20Anorexia%20%26%20Health%20Risks&text=These%20athletes%20may%20experience%20impaired,such%20as%20anxiety%20or%20depression.
[4] National Eating Disorders Association. (2005). Health Consequences of Eating Disorders. Chapman. https://www.chapman.edu/students/health-and-safety/psychological-counseling/ _files/eating-disorder-files/4-hlth-cons.pdf
[5] National Eating Disorders Association. (2005). Health Consequences of Eating Disorders. Chapman. https://www.chapman.edu/students/health-and-safety/psychological-counseling/ _files/eating-disorder-files/4-hlth-cons.pdf
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