The Relationship Between Dancing and Eating Habits

This research paper is an analysis of how perceptions within the dance world affect eating habits. In order to answer these questions, a high school dance team of 36 girls completed a survey. Each girl was asked questions regarding eating and exercise habits, how often they danced, and their thoughts on their appearance. The completed surveys indicated that, although some disordered eating habits were present, they were not related to dance. This resulted in no correlation between the two. It was found that outside factors, such as social media and magazines, were the cause of the majority of disordered eating habits of the dance team members. The results also revealed that two-thirds of the dance team have tried to lose weight in order to be a better dancer. Despite prior research, dancing did not prove to be the root cause of disordered eating within this sample. Although the researcher's hypothesis was proven to be false, this research can now allow others to view other issues revolving around food and body image within the dance world.