Risk of eating disorders among different dance majors at a dance conservatory

Abstract

Introduction: Dance is a high risk activity for eating disorders (Ed). It seems that there is a lack of studies focused on the analysis of Ed risk among dance genres. Method: 176 female dancers from different genres (aged 12-20) from a professional dance conservatoire take parte in the study. The Eating Attitudes Test, 26 was administered. Results: ballet dancers showed higher scores in items related to eating problems compared to others genres. Contemporary dancers presented a low concern of having fat body areas and they scored the lowest in diet habits. Contrary to expectations, the most worried about having fat body parts were flamenco dancers. The vast majority of dancers with moderate and high risk od ED belonged to ballet and flamenco. Discussion: it is analysed the existence of risk and protective factors that makes certain genres likely to develop an ED.