Body image is often discussed in relation to appearance, yet it encompasses much more than how individuals look. It influences how dancers think, feel, and experience their bodies, affecting confidence, psychological wellbeing, relationships with food and exercise, engagement in training, recovery from injury, and long-term participation in dance.

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The conference will explore current research, lived experience and inspiring professional practice relating to body image across dance settings. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and practical breakout sessions, delegates will examine the factors that shape body image in dance and consider how supportive environments can be developed within training, education and professional practice.

 

Sessions will address a range of topics including the psychology of body image, Relative Energy Deficiency in Dance (RED-D), growth and maturation, nutrition and fuelling, injury and recovery, and the role of leadership in shaping healthy dance cultures. Contributors from healthcare, education, research and the dance profession will share evidence-informed approaches and practical strategies that can be applied across a variety of dance contexts.

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The conference will also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration through interactive resource and discussion spaces. Delegates will be encouraged to share examples of good practice, engage with current research, and identify actions that can be implemented within their own organisations and communities.

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Body Perspectives builds upon the fundamental understanding that wellbeing and performance are intrinsically connected. By bringing together diverse perspectives from research, healthcare, education and lived experience, the conference aims to support informed discussion and contribute to the development of healthier body image cultures in dance by challenging unrealistic expectations and ideals, centring connection and community over comparison, and creating action to improve environments, attitudes, and support. 

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The conference is relevant to dance artists, students, teachers, studio owners, artistic directors, healthcare professionals, researchers and anyone with an interest in supporting dancer health and wellbeing.

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Our vision is to promote cultures in dance that value individuality, celebrate movement and creativity over appearance, and support healthy relationships with food and their bodies. We believe that all dancers should be able to participate, develop and thrive within environments where there are realistic and healthy expectations of dancers, bodies, and body image.

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To receive further information about the conference or to find out more about the work of the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science, please contact us.

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Conference Agenda

 

09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Arrival and networking

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10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Welcome and Setting the Scene

 

10:15 AM - 10:45 AM

Body Image in Dance: Why It Matters

 

10:45 AM - 11:30 AM

What the Research Tells Us: Body Image Across Dance Styles

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11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

BREAK

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12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Concurrent sessions - CHOOSE TWO

Concurrent sessions will run from 12:00-12:45, and repeat from 12:45-1:30

Pre-recorded versions of all sessions will be available to delegates after the conference, so you can access all content​

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Session 1: The Psychology of Body Image

Session 2: Understanding RED-D: Research, recognition and response

Session 3: Growing Up in Dance: Maturation considerations for body image

Session 4: Body Image, Injury and the Professional Dancer

Session 5: Nourishing the Dancer: The Impact of Body Image on Food & Fuelling

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1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

LUNCH

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2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Shaping Dance Culture: Perspectives from Dancers, Schools, and Companies

 

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Leading Change: Building Supportive Dance Environments and Healthy Dancers

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4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Networking

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