Health
Footwear In most forms of dance, the foot is the source of movement, and in some cases requires specific shoes to aid in the health, safety ability of the dancer, depending on the type of dance, the intensity of the movements, and the surface that will be danced on.
Dance footwear can be potentially both supportive and or restrictive to the movement of the dancer. The effectiveness of the shoe is related to its ability to help the foot do something it is not intended to do, or to make easier a difficult movement. Such effects relate to health and safety because of the function of the equipment, as unnatural to the body's usual mobility.
Ballet
Ballet is notable for the risks of injury due to the biomechanics of the ankle and the toes, as the main support for the rest of the movements. With the pointe shoe, the design specifically brings all of the toes together to allow the toes to be stood on for longer periods.
There are accessories associated with pointe shoes that help to mitigate injury and soothe pain while dancing, including things such as toe pads, toe tape, and cushions.
Body image Dancers are publicly thought to be very preoccupied with their body image to fit a certain mold in the industry. Research indicates that dancers do have greater difficulty controlling their eating habits as a large number strive for the art form's ideal body mass. Some dancers often resort to disordered eating to maintain a certain image. Common scenarios include dancers abusing laxatives for weight control and ending up falling into unhealthy eating disorders.
Studies show that a large number of dancers use at least one method of weight control, including over-exercising and food restriction. The pressure for dancers to maintain a below-average weight affects their eating and weight-controlling behaviours and their lifestyle. Due to its artistic nature, dancers tend to have many hostile self-critical tendencies. Commonly seen in performers, a variety of individuals may likely be resistant to concepts of self-compassion.
Eating disorders In North America, eating disorders present a significant public health challenge, with an estimated 10% of young girls affected. Those engaged in aesthetic-focused sports like dance face even greater risks due to intense pressures for a slender physique. Eating disorders in dancers are generally very common. Through data analysis and studies published, sufficient data regarding the percentage and accuracy of dancers who realistically fall into unhealthy disordered eating habits or the development of an eating disorder were extracted.
Dancers, in general, have a higher risk of developing eating disorders than the general public, primarily falling into anorexia nervosa and EDNOS. Research has yet to distinguish a direct correlation between dancers having a higher risk of developing bulimia nervosa. Studies concluded that dancers overall have a three times higher risk of developing eating disorders, more specifically anorexia nervosa and EDNOS.
Health benefits Despite the concerns listed above, dancing has many health benefits. For example, experts have noted that dancing improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress, boosts flexibility and agility, strengthens muscles and bones, and enhances balance and coordination. Some mental and cognitive benefits include improvement of memory and cognition, challenging the brain, and reducing the risk of dementia.Dancing also helps to build self-esteem and can help to encourage social connections with peers.
