Department or Program
Psychology
Abstract
Many young dancers train hours on end to achieve an elusive career in dance, often making sacrifices along the way. Aspiring professional dancers are vulnerable to negative body image and eating disorders perhaps due to narrow body standards prevalent in dance communities (Arcelus et al., 2014; Dantas et al., 2018). Dance teachers can influence students’ perceptions of themselves and their overall training experiences (Doria & Numer, 2022). This study examined the relationship among students’ perceptions of the social psychological climates of dance departments, dancer identity, and body image. Eighty-one students and six teachers were surveyed. Students' presence versus absence of professional goals in dance was assessed and analyzed in relation to their perceptions of their dance training climate and body image. Further qualitative interviews with eight students and one teacher investigated the specific ways in which students and teachers positively and negatively contribute to the climate. Quantitative results revealed that individual factors such as one’s dancer identity, professional attitudes, or the belief that one’s body is right for dancing played a larger role in students’ body perceptions than one’s learning climate. Although students identified the importance of a task-involving and caring climate for their body image, students’ individual level of body surveillance was found to be the strongest predictor of body image satisfaction. Results highlight the influence of both objective (focused on dance technique) and subjective (focused on physical appearance) personal body surveillance in dance, suggesting avenues for further investigation, and support the judicious use of mirrors in dance class.
Level of Access
Restricted: Embargoed [Open Access After Expiration]
First Advisor
Langdon, Susan
Date of Graduation
5-2025
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Recommended Citation
Frew, Lydia, "The Hidden Curriculum in Dance: Investigating the Relationship Between Perceived Social Psychological Climate and Dancers’ Body Image" (2025). Honors Theses. 502.
https://scarab.bates.edu/honorstheses/502
Number of Pages
86
Components of Thesis
1 pdf file
