Ballet Science27 Heinä 2025

Dancer Nutrition & Body Image: What the Research Shows

Dance is a world of strength, artistry, and discipline… but behind the scenes, there are real challenges that don’t get talked about enough. Today I break down new research on body image, nutrition knowledge, and eating behaviors in collegiate dancers.

Here’s what the study found:

Many dancers lack basic nutrition knowledge
A significant percentage are at risk for disordered eating
Body image perception is often inaccurate
Most dancers rely on peers or social media for nutrition advice

We also discuss:

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)
Why nutrition education matters for performance AND health\
How dance programs can better support dancers
What dancers, teachers, and parents should take away from this

This is an important conversation for anyone in the dance world.

Publication discussed in this episode:

Douglas, C. C., Shahan, M., Camel, S. P., & Vogel, S. (2024). Negative Body Image and Limited Nutrition Knowledge among Collegiate Dancers Signals Need for Screening and Support. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 1089313X241297770.

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Hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves.

Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.

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