| The body of a dancer is often something of | | | | obsessiveness over their weight is a sign that |
| magnificence. Perfect lines, size, shape, they are | | | | there may be a deep rooted issue. |
| truly a subject for art work. This of course is not | | | | - Obsessive Dieting: Individuals who are obsessed |
| something easily achieved. Perfecting this move, | | | | with their weight will often take the very same |
| improving that technique, taking into account the | | | | stance on the food that enters their body. An |
| appearance of every body part during ever | | | | overwhelming amount of attention may be paid |
| movement and working to perfect it. A dancer | | | | to the calorie or fat content or portion sizes. If |
| needs to be long, lean, and tone. It is no wonder | | | | the individual in question refuses to splurge one in |
| than that so many dancers experience major | | | | awhile on their favorite food, or is seldom seen |
| body image issues often leading to full blow eating | | | | eating this is definitely a situation you should |
| disorders. The body required by dance is not easy | | | | monitor. |
| to achieve and can cause many to fall back on | | | | - Low Self Esteem: Since body image is a driving |
| extreme dieting practices in order meet the | | | | force behind eating disorders, these problems are |
| demands. | | | | often paired with extremely low self esteem, self |
| The world of dancer is filled with concerns about | | | | worth, and self hatred. They will constantly put |
| body image. In many cases, like ballet, hours are | | | | themselves down and be ashamed in front of |
| spent in front of mirrors scrutinizing every move. | | | | family, friends, and acquaintances. |
| While young girls and boys, as eating disorders are | | | | - Physical Illness: Whether bulimia or anorexia is |
| gender blind, perfect their plies, and improve their | | | | the issue, there is a general decrease in the health |
| relieves they are constantly focused on their | | | | of an individual suffering from these illnesses. |
| body. As a dancer, it's important to be long, lean, | | | | Frequent headaches, soar throats, low blood |
| and graceful. Hours of practice in front of the | | | | pressure, loss of a menstrual cycle, bloodshot |
| mirror helps students monitor their progress. The | | | | eyes or eyes that appearance bruised, and |
| can assess their bodies during each movement. | | | | bleeding, scraped up, or callused knuckles can all |
| Are my legs extended correctly? Is my posture | | | | point to eating disorders. |
| okay? This constructive self criticism can become | | | | - Frequent Visits To the Lavatory: Individuals who |
| to much for some and lead to an unhealthy | | | | turn to bulimia as a means of body control are |
| obsession with their weight and body image. | | | | frequently seen heading towards the bathroom, |
| Why Are Dancers at Risk | | | | particularly during or right after meals. During this |
| Because dancing puts an already at risk age | | | | time they will purge their meals. Another fairly |
| demographic even more at risk for eating | | | | indicative sign is the water running for long periods |
| disorders, it's important to monitor your son, | | | | of time. This helps cover any telltale signs that |
| daughter, or students to make sure they are | | | | you may otherwise hear. |
| living healthy lives and their concern with body | | | | - Strange Eating Patterns or Rituals: Those who |
| image does not hurtle them into to the clutches | | | | suffer from bulimia or anorexia often have |
| of anorexia or bulimia. One way to put a stop to | | | | peculiar eating practices or rituals. They may hide |
| this health issue before it becomes a life | | | | food in various places, tactfully play with food to |
| threatening problem is to be able to recognize the | | | | make it appear they have ate more; or spitting |
| signs and symptoms. The following list is | | | | chewed food out and discarding it in napkins to be |
| composed of various signs that the individual may | | | | thrown away. |
| in fact be suffering from a eating disorder. | | | | Eating disorders are serious mental and physical |
| - Extreme Weight Loss: One of the most obvious | | | | diseases that can create short and long term |
| signs of an eating disorder is a dramatic loss of | | | | health issues or in severe cases even death. If |
| weight over a short amount of time. | | | | you suspect your son, daughter, fellow dancer, or |
| Unfortunately, many dancers are already very | | | | dance student is at risk it's important to take |
| thin in stature and this may not be as obvious as | | | | action. This is a prevalent problem in the youth |
| it would be in a child who is of average weight or | | | | population and there are a variety of doctors, |
| more. | | | | clinics, and psychologist who are well trained and |
| - Obsessing Over Weight: While it's typical for | | | | willing to help lead them back onto the path of |
| some adolescents or teens to be concerned with | | | | wellness. |
| their weight or appearance, constant concern or | | | | |