The world of ballet is filled with grace, beauty, and precision. However, beneath the surface of this art form lies a complex interplay between physicality, performance, and societal expectations, particularly for female ballerinas. In the pursuit of perfection, ballerinas are subjected to rigorous training and strict beauty and visual standards that can profoundly impact their health and well-being. Pervasive beauty standards within the ballet industry are undeniably detrimental to the mental and physical health of female ballerinas.

The form of Ballet has been known to America for hundreds of years as a way to create graceful art on stage through the body, Ballet originated in the 15th century Renaissance. Noblemen and women often attended lavish gatherings where music and dancing were the form of entertainment. In the 16th century, dancers began getting professionally trained to “imitate the grace of the aristocratic body on stage.”

Physical Health Issues in Ballet

Throughout centuries – even in the modern day – ballerinas have been pressured to stay thin to “fit into” the industry. Often, ballet dancers are punished when they don’t reach the dangerously thin “ideal” body size. They lose opportunities and risk not getting roles if they don’t reach these standards, pressuring them even further to stay “in shape.” EDs (Eating Disorders) are prevalent among the majority of ballerinas as methods to maintain their low weight. Alongside ED, BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) – mentioned earlier – includes similar behaviors, such as a desire for encouragement, calorie tracking, and mirror checking. 

Additionally, constant hours of ballet training often lead to the occurrence of “ballerina’s feet,” the physical effects experienced by ballerinas. According to the Cleveland Health Clinic, long-term damage can occur to a ballerina’s feet due to this rigorous work, resulting in conditions such as hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. These issues can significantly impact a dancer’s life long even after they have stopped performing. 

Some may argue that ballet can yield positive health effects such as improved flexibility, better posture, and muscle training. It is essential to acknowledge that ballet does not solely benefit an individual; rather, it can cause damage to one’s body. The demanding nature of ballet training, coupled with the pressure to achieve perfection, often leads to a range of physical damage and injuries among dancers. 

Mental Health Issues in Ballet

Ballerinas are forced to come out onstage with glittering smiles on their faces, despite the injuries or illnesses they may have or issues they may be dealing with outside their careers. They face constant criticism over their looks and weight, causing their self-confidence and self-worth to rapidly decrease over time. These factors lead to great mental health issues.

A prevalent mental health illness seen amongst ballerinas is BDD, Body Dysmorphia Disorder. This disorder causes individuals to become heavily fixated on their body size, causing large emotional distress. According to a research article published by the Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, the percentage of BDD is around 6 times higher than the average person.

Racism in Ballet

Women of color in the ballet industry face heavy discrimination for “not fitting into the beauty standard.” There is a notion that African Americans are not “attractive” enough to embody the art of classical ballet.

Conclusion

The concept of “white ballet”, characterized by performances in romantic dances, contrasts with the notion of “black dance,” rooted in African American social dances and theatrical performances. While ballet originated in Europe without racial considerations, its globalization and the fight against social discrimination have led to a reevaluation of the role in ballet. 

The world of ballet, while celebrated for its elegance and artistry, has deep-rooted issues that detrimentally affect the health and well-being of female ballerinas. Addressing these issues requires a great effort to challenge harmful stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and prioritize the health and dignity of all dancers, regardless of race or body type.