Psychosocial and Environmental Factors Influence Ballet Dancers’ Eating Behaviors: A Qualitative Study of Ballet Dancers’ Lived Experiences

Abstract

Introduction: Ballet dancing is driven by goals of artistic performance that depend on aesthetic standards. These standards involve maintaining a slim and muscular physique. Therefore, dancers tend to adopt eating behaviors that may have long-term consequences for their health and performance. This study aims to explore ballet dancers’ perceptions of their dietary behaviors. Method: This study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews conducted via videoconference. Recruitment was carried out on social media in January 2023. Interviews were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. Each interview was coded using an inductive approach. Categories were grouped into sub-themes and themes. Participant citations were then translated. Results: Eleven interviews were conducted with professional ballerina dancers from various Operas in France and Monaco. Analysis generated three themes. Firstly, dancers must meet specific ballet standards instilled in them by both instructors and peers. Dance instructors were perceived as authority figures, and their words about their students’ physical appearance during puberty often carried stressful memories. Secondly, our participants discussed their relationship to food. To match the ideal ballerina’s appearance, dancers recounted adopting unhealthy eating behaviors. Thirdly, once in a ballet company, dancers recalled gaining maturity and knowledge, which helped them realize the consequences of these negative behaviors. They became more concerned about their health and adapted their diets. Individual characteristics, personal reactions to instructors’ demands, and the influence of significant others influenced their eating behaviors. Our participants voiced a desire for attitudes to change regarding ballet standards. They wished for more medical follow-up concerning physical and mental health. Conclusion: When it comes to diet, professional ballet dancers should be considered not just as artists, but also as elite athletes. Eating behaviors play a fundamental role in an athlete’s performance and well-being, as they help meet nutritional needs in the context of high athletic fueling demands.