Dorcas Walters

Obsession? Body Culture, Nutrition and the Ballet Aesthetic: a Study of Body Culture, Attitudes to Nutrition, and Physique in Female Ballet Dancers and Ballet Organisations Dorcas Walters

This research examines nutritional awareness, the development of body culture, and the effects of that culture on body image, psychological health, and the nutritional habits of professionals and students. From the perspective of a ?participant insider?, the issues are discussed in relation to the sociological theories of the body in society, taking into account current research and knowledge in the areas of dance/sport nutrition, eating disorders, and dance training. The evidence from the research shows that many dancers suffer from negative body image and that personality, training, and ballet culture play a part in the development of eating problems, also that here is a lack of adequate nutritional knowledge amongst both dancers and teachers. It was found that the pressures are such that nutritional advice was unlikely to be heeded unless there is a re-education of dancers and management, that ?cult-like? authoritarian behaviour, and ?docile? submissive attitudes were apparent and contribute to problems with self-esteem, body image, and eating disorders. Conclusions are drawn regarding training, awareness, aesthetics and management culture in the professional ballet world.