Media Effects on Perception of Dancers Body Image

McKenna A. May

Elon University
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 2

Abstract

Today more than 83% of all professional dancers suffer from eating disorders and body-

dysmorphia at some point in their careers. Research shows that the media is a contributing

factor with its misrepresentation of dancers in television shows, movies, print advertisements and

music videos. This paper examines further implications the media has on dancers psychological

and physical well-being, as well as companies who are actively trying to combat dancers

distorted thinking. The study found that dancers are more likely to express insecurities regarding

body image after exposure to dance in the media.

I. Introduction

Within the last decade, the media has redefined the ideal female body type from the

shorter, plumper, lighter skinned models of the early and mid-1900s to todays thin ideal, a

slender, feminine physique with a small waist and little body fat. This ideal is nearly unattainable

without taking drastic measures that affect overall health and well-being, yet the media has

framed this thin body type as the norm and what everyone should ultimately strive to achieve.

Dancers and models have been targeted specifically as people who naturally possess the

thin ideal. As shows and movies like Americas Next Top Model, Flesh and Bones and Black

Swan gain popularity, the association between thinness and dancers and models increases

tremendously. It is a dancers job to appear effortlessly beautiful on stage and models to look

flawless in every picture snapped, but the media only offers the public an end product. Pictures

are publicized after hours of Photoshop editing and dancers arent filmed until laxatives have

been taken and corsets are tied tight. The media fails to show this process, which can alter

viewers perceptions of a healthy body image. Nonetheless, dance has shaped the medias

portrayal of body image and viewers perception of the thin ideal.

MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 3

The medias portrayal of body image through dance affects dancers just the same as those

who do not dance. The thin ideal has the power to persuade dancers that they will never truly be

skinny enough, that they are living in a perpetual state of imperfection. Dancers live an insecure

life to begin with: Everyone in entertainment is insecure. Weve been dancing our entire lives

for others approval, Sia mentioned in an interview with The Guardian. The thin ideals effects

could be detrimental to dancers health and ultimately lead to eating disorders.

To combat the thin ideal, a few athletic companies have included dancers in television

ads and promotional content, portraying them as athletes. Under Armors 2014 I Will What I

Want campaign was the first to do so. The company highlighted Misty Copeland, the first

African American soloist with the American Ballet Theater, as both an athlete and a dancer.

Many dance critics have criticized Copelands body to be unconventional because of the size of

her breasts and her natural muscularity. This was just the impetus Under Armor needed to yet

again redefine what women view as beautiful. The desired body type of both dancers and non-

dancers has begun to shift to a healthier, more manageable version of the thin ideal.

The medias power of influence can positively and negatively shape opinions, thoughts

and actions through agenda setting and framing. Broadly speaking, agenda setting is the process

whereby mass media determine what viewers think and worry about, while framing expands the

research by focusing attention on certain events and placing them within a field of meaning.

These trends become mainstream through dissemination in the mass media. Many view stars on

television and in print to be perfect in looks, personality and career, forgetting that they are

people too. Everyone has flaws, but some are easier to cover up with Photoshop and laxatives.

This research paper identifies how the portrayal of dance in the media affects dancers

perception of an ideal body image.

MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 4

II. Literature Review

Body image has been a controversial topic displayed throughout several media platforms

ever since the inception of technology. Print media, specifically magazines, and television play a

large role in the dissemination of the thin ideal, which in turn affects consumers physically and

psychologically. This review discusses prior research of the medias effects on body image,

eating disorders and body-dysmorphia amongst dancers and common communication theories.

Medias Effects on Body Image

The thin ideal was first introduced in a 1999 article by Gustafson, Popovich and

Thomsen, in which their study is clearly outlined. These researchers worked to discover how

college-age women rank negative female stereotypes in advertisements. The stereotypes

portrayed women as dumb blondes, indecisive, childlike, frivolous, obsessed with men,

submissive to men, a simple housewife, a sexual object, overly concerned with appearance, a

sexual prowess and beautifully or successfully slim. They found that although all of these

stereotypes can be offensive and demeaning, none was more dangerous than the thin ideal, a

label which suggests that ultra slim women are more fashionable, desirable and successful.

Gustafson, Popovich and Thomsen continue to discuss the evolution of the ideal body

type. A fuller feminine figure was sought after in the mid-1800s until a slimmer, more athletic

Gibson Girl replaced it in the 1890s. This is seen as the turning point because since then, the

ideal physique has gotten progressively thinner, mainly due to the rise of mass media. The

researchers also reported that the mass media is one of the most influential socio-cultural factors

that cause anorexia nervosa. An association between readership of womens beauty, fashion and

fitness magazines and body dissatisfaction has been linked. The media brainwashes women

suggesting that attractiveness only comes when one is ultra-slender, ultimately allowing
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 5

women to internalize the unrealistic and unattainable thin ideal. The article suggests that this

emphasis on appearance leads to body-dysmorphia and eating disorder tendencies.

A 2001 statistical meta-analysis by Groesz, Levine and Murnen supported the

conclusions surrounding the thin ideal. They measured opinions regarding body image both

before and after viewing thin, average and plus size models and inanimate objects. Body image

was recorded as negative after watching thin models and more positive after watching the

average and plus size models. Contrary to prior belief, emotional and psychological responses

were greater with only a few exposures to the stimuli, not ten or more. It is clear that the

experimental effect is present in the activation, not cultivation, of a thinness schema in females.

This meta-analysis had two further implications. The first was the need for theory and

research to clarify why females are motivated to read fashion magazines and the long term

effects it can have on young girls. Researchers believe social comparison has been overlooked,

but could help explain body dissatisfaction among those who liken themselves with models in

advertisements or magazines. The second implication concerns the utility of media literacy to

prevent negative body image. Those who were given a seven-minute psychoeducational

presentation involving media analysis were less likely to engage in social comparison and less

likely to be negatively affected by images of slender beauty (Groesz, Levine, Murnen).

Body Image, Media and Eating Disorders by Jennifer Derenne and Eugene Beresin

deeply examines changes in the female body type throughout history, similar to the findings of

Gustafson, Popovich and Thomsen. Colonial times were difficult, so everyone in the family was

needed to help tend to the land and do household chores. This called for physically strong and

able women, thus the ideal body type for women was thicker and more muscular. Small waists

and large bustles became valued as corsets gained popularity in the 19th Century. Emphasis was
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 6

placed on womens fragility, making them a more attractive candidate for marriage. Derenne and

Beresin noted that the 20th Century dress and body type was tied closely with the present

feminine movement. When women fought for equality, they strived for flat chests and short hair

and wore pants instead of skirts or dresses. According to Body Image, Media and Eating

Disorders, this changed during the Second World War when traditional family and gender roles

were reestablished. Men favored womens curves with a clearly defined waist.

The article continues to discuss the negative effects media has on viewers. They

recognize that television shows, movies, advertisements and magazine articles can lead to both

eating disorders and obesity. Body image is not distorted based on the quantity of media

exposure but the quality. Researchers at Old Dominion University found that it only takes five

minutes of exposure to thin and beautiful media images to influence a negative body image

(Yamamiya, Cash, Melnyk, H. Posavac, S. Posavac). Derenne and Beresin believe that it is

parents responsibility to talk with their children about media messages and healthy life styles.

Parents should also limit the amount of time kids spend in front of media technology.

In an article written by Marita McCabe, she found that the media has a greater influence

on females than males. The media has clearly defined what should be accepted as beautiful for

girls, but the ideal body type for boys is not so obvious. Men strive for muscularity, but McCabe

does not think the stress to conform is comparable to that of women.

Eating Disorders and Body Dysmorphia amongst Dancers

Contrary to previously discussed research, Heiland, Murray and Edley examined dancers

perceptions and responses regarding body image. A dancers thin is 15% below a healthy weight,

which fits the credentials of anorexia. This article articulates many dancers strive for an

unattainable thinness that often results in eating disorders and smoking habits. George
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 7

Balanchine was a key influencer in pressuring dancers to lose weight to attain the perfectly frail

dancers body. In 1997, ballerina Heidi Guenther died at age 22 when her heart stopped from

lack of consumption. Researchers believe this was the turning point for many companies

regarding health and wellness. Heiland, Murray and Edley reported, There is a physical ideal in

dance now, one of sleek, streamlined, long-muscled power.

Heiland, Murray and Edley also found that just as ballet dancers strive to conform to

Russias standard of perfection, jazz dancers in LA take similar measures to fit Hollywoods

ultrathin stereotype. Hollywoods concern that the camera adds ten pounds creates immense

stress for dancers working in the entertainment industry, Heiland, Murray and Edley stated.

Commercial dancers in LA are affected by the medias prevalence in the ever-growing

entertainment industry where movies, music videos, magazines, advertising, fashion design and

celebrity gossip shows set the standard of beauty, thinness and fitness.

In his article, Sources of Disordered Eating Patterns between Ballet Dancers and Non-

dancers, Anshel examines eating behaviors and attitudes of both dancers and non-dancers to

determine factors that may lead to eating disorders and body dysmorphia. The results of this

study supported the hypothesis that dancers have a greater drive to obtain thinness than their

non-dancer counterparts. Anshel found that dancers do weigh less than non-dancers, but did not

demonstrate more bulimic tendencies. He believes this finding to support the notion that dancers

are obsessed with perfection. Many dancers associate thinness with better dance performance

and because ballet is an inefficient way of burning calories, many dancers attempt to control

weight through dietary restraint, one step closer to reaching the thin ideal.

Similar to Anshels study of comparing dancers and non-dancers, Hamilton, Brooks-Gun

and Warren researched the prevalence of eating disorders in black and white dancers. Through
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 8

focus groups and surveys, they found that black dancers have far less body dissatisfaction than

their white counterparts. None of the surveyed black dancers reported anorexic or bulimic

tendencies and were less concerned about dieting. Weight and hours of exercise were consistent

between races, so researchers speculate cultural expectations may influence black dancers to

maintain a healthy weight without taking harmful measures. Alternatively, black dancers may

be less likely to report anorexia nervosa, especially if it does not fit with cultural expectations,

Hamilton, Brooks-Gunn and Warren stated.

Jill Green describes dancers reactions to the idea of body image in her qualitative study,

Somatic Authority and the Myth of the Ideal Body in Dance Education. Many of the ballerinas

expressed dissatisfaction, specifically wishing they had longer, skinnier legs, more flexible

hamstrings, a smaller, more proportional buttocks, a flatter stomach with no fat to pinch, more

pronounced hip bones, straight line hips with no defined waist, smaller but defined arms, a

thinner face, fuller lips, larger eyes and longer hair. The dancers evaluated in this study suffered

from immense insecurity by comparing themselves to dancers with extreme body dysmorphia.

Although dance has negative effects on pre-professionals and professionals, researchers

have studied the positive effects movement can have on recreational dancers outlook on body

image. In their study, Effects of a 6-week aerobic dance intervention on body image and

physical self-perceptions in adolescent girls Burgess, Grogan and Burwitz found that six weeks

of aerobic dance would significantly improve body attitudes and physical self-perceptions in

13-14-year-old females with initially low body attitudes. Aerobic dancing provides

psychological benefits that may attribute to weight loss and muscle toning, feeling thinner, more

physically fit and attractive and less sensitized to what their weight may convey to others.
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 9

Agenda Setting and Framing

In their article, Think about it this way: Attribute agenda-setting function of the press

and the publics evaluation of a local issue, Sei-Hill, Scheufele and Shanahan examine the

attribute agenda-setting function in the media. Opinion surveys on a local issue and a thorough

content analysis of a local newspaper revealed that viewers salience is heavily affected by the

issues media outlets choose to cover. The more frequent or heavily emphasized topics are

covered in the media, the more viewers deem them important. This study concluded that the

media ultimately tells us how and what to think.

Sei-Hill, Scheufele and Shanahan also discuss how the media seeks to reduce the

complexity of issues by presenting news in easy-to-understand frames. These frames serve a dual

purpose to not only simplify the news but serve as interpretive shortcuts as well. Audiences are

influenced by the medias patterns of selection, emphasis and exclusion (Ryan, Carragee,

Meinhofer). Framing, the News Media and Collective Action suggests that frames evolve over

time, especially in political campaigns. Ryan, Carragee and Meinhofer suggest that the emphasis

on framing in response to challengers, highlights the construction of meaning over time.

In a third study by Scheufele and Tewksbury, the relationships between agenda setting,

framing and priming are examined and analyzed to best answer how news messages are created,

processed and how the effects are produced. Researchers used sociological, economic, critical

and psychological theoretical approaches to identify how issue agendas are built in news

production and the social forces that influence specific frames. Agenda setting and framing may

appear to operate by similar phenomenological processes, but attention to messages is necessary

for framing, whereas exposure time is more sufficient for agenda setting. Finally, Scheufele and

Tewksbury examine the difference in locus of effects for agenda setting and framing. The effect
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 10

of agenda setting does not concern the information about the issue, but the amount of processing

time and attention the issue receives. The underlying interpretive schemas of framing, on the

other hand, influence whether we think about an issue and how we think about it.

While many studies have focused on the medias portrayal of the thin ideal and its

effects on body image, little research exists that examines dancers perceptions of body image

with the implementation of dancers as models in the media. This study aimed to answer the

following research question.

RQ1: How has the portrayal of dancers in the media affected their perception of body

image?

III. Methodology

A focus group was used in this research to better understand dancers views on body

image before and after watching dance as portrayed in the media. All nine dancers were recruited

from the Elon Dance Company and are Dance performance and Choreography majors at Elon

University. All nine dancers are female; one dancer is a senior, one is a junior, one is a

sophomore and six are first year students.

The discussion began with warm-up questions to gain an understanding of everyones

opinions of the media, how they have seen dance portrayed and general feelings about body

image. This allowed everyone to speak for the first time and feel comfortable sharing personal

insights. The more detailed questions came when clips were shown Clips used in FGI
highlighting dancers in various circumstances. This prompted "Dying to be Thin"
"Side to Side"
discussion to veer from the original plan to a more abstract place, "I Will What I Want"

allowing for additional relevant data. An activity was also implemented to measure dancers

perceptions of body image before and after exposure to music videos. Broader conclusion
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 11

questions were asked towards the end to finalize and evaluate each participants perception on

three key concepts. Data was analyzed systematically, first judged on the basis of relevancy, and

then evaluated on consistency with previous research and implications for future research.

IV. Findings

Media

How have you seen dancers portrayed in the media?

Participants believed that only ballet and street performing is highlighted on television and in

movies. The media fails to show any kind of concert contemporary dance and thus, the reason

why non-dancers are uneducated in the field of modern dance. Also, Participant 7 noted, The

media only portrays the competition side of dance. That drama attracts audiences, but its not an

accurate representation because the girls I dance with are my second family, not enemies.

Dance shows often portray dancers as overly girly, unnaturally thin, white spoiled brats.

What effects do you think the media has on dancers perceptions of body image?

Participants came to a consensus that the media glamorizes dance and shows dancers in an

unrealistic light. Only the best of the best with the most picturesque bodies are used in

advertisements and movies, which provides dancers with a morphed sense of reality, said

Participant 8. Audiences only see the end product, which is far from realistic. This especially

affects young dancers who are unaware of the extensive editing process.

Do you believe, generally speaking, the media portrays dancers in a healthy way?

I think the medias portrayal is getting better, but there is still a ways to go, said Participant

7. Many noted that Dance Moms is produced by a team of non-dancers, so there is

representation of all body types on the show. Unfortunately, this is not always the case because
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 12

television run by dancers, primarily cast unnaturally tall and skinny performers. By doing this,

the media fails to depict dancers as healthy and strong.

How can you see the media representing dance in the future?

Participants acknowledged a trend in dance films and dance film festivals throughout the

country. They believe this gain in popularity will provide dancers with a new platform for

exposure and expression. After interning with an agency in LA this summer, I saw an increase

in the number of dancers using social media as a means for self-marketing, said Participant 1.

Body Image

What physical characteristics constitute your ideal body as a dancer?

Participants were in agreement when wanting longer legs, a flatter chest, no butt, a smaller

rib cage, narrower hips, 180 degree turnout and higher arched feet. Participant 8 also said at one

point in her life she wished her thighs were the same size as her calf muscles.

What has influenced you to want these physical characteristics?

The media was listed as the primary influencer, then came comparing oneself to others,

trying to impress teachers and choreographers and staring at oneself in the mirror for hours a

day. Dancers feel an added pressure to be thin because the media has already set unnatural

standards for the general public and were supposed to be even skinnier than that norm,

Participant 1 added.

Do you think your ideal is representative of a healthy body?

When I was only taking ballet classes, my ideal was not a healthy one, but when I

started taking other styles, my ideal shifted. Instead of wanting to get as skinny as possible, I

wanted to get as strong as possible, Participant 5 said. Others also felt that their ideals were

healthier when taking modern. Ballet evoked the unhealthiest patterns of achieving the ideal.
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After watching the Side to Side music video, what changed on your list of things you

love and hate about your body?

Many participants hates changed to loves because they saw the women in the video as both

dancers and people. The music video dancers were talented and technical, but also had a decent

size waist, average length legs and a full sized chest. In regards to their face, participants saw the

dancers beautifully done make up and wished they had higher cheek bones and less acne.

Eating Disorders

What are your initial thoughts of this Dying to be Thin clip?

Its not something I havent heard before, Participant 2 noted. Participants were under the

impression that those who express these anorexic tendencies are usually trying to make light of

the situation, but deep down they truly believe their words.

Do you think this was an accurate representation of what happens in dance companies?

None of the participants thought this clip was an accurate representation of how people talk

about eating disorders. They did not negate that conversations like this one happen, but they do

believe the actors over-dramatized their anorexia and blew the circumstances out of proportion.

What could the filmmakers do to make this scene more authentic?

Participant 3 said that using diet pills and smoking as a means of suppressing appetite to

achieve thinness is more authentic than suggesting liposuction or removing a rib.

Shift to Athleticism

Weve seen dancers ideal body type change throughout history from the plumper ideal to

Balanchines ultrathin. How do you see the ideal dancer body type shifting in the future?

I think dance companies will hire more athletic dancers with clearly defined muscles and a

strong presence, Participant 6 said. Many believe the rise in athleticism and healthy eating will
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 14

carry over to the dance world. This will allow for contemporary dance to continue to gain in

popularity and investigation. The media is beginning to compare dancers bodies and abilities to

sports athletes, showing ballerinas next to basketball and football players in commercials and

print advertisements. Participants also discussed the need for expressive dancers who are able to

tell a story or convey feeling through facial expressions.

What are your initial thoughts after watching Under Armors I Will What I Want

commercial with Misty Copeland?

Participants believed this commercial was a step in the right direction, but her physical

attributes are still unachievable without taking drastic measures. Misty Copeland has the

quintessential athletic dancers body that is more common in African American dancers than

Caucasian dancers. The media also only showed her tricks: leaps, extensions and turns, without

displaying her unique artistry. Participant 3 added, The message is a good one because the

general public is seeing dance as both a sport and art form.

Do you think Misty Copelands athletic body type is becoming more mainstream?

Yes, participants were all in agreement that Misty Copelands athleticism is becoming more

mainstream in both the medias portrayal of dancers and company directors decision to hire

dancers. Dancers have to possess the mental and physical strength it takes to get through long

days of rehearsals and classes.

Without Under Armors advertisement and I Will What I Want campaign, do you think

this shift from ultrathin to a more athletic body type would have happened?

I think this shift would still happen within dance companies, but the public would be less

aware, Participant 9 stated. Without Under Armors inclusion of Misty Copeland, non-dancers

would still perceive professional dancers as ultrathin and weak. Advertisements before the I
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 15

Will What I Want campaign posed models as dancers (as seen in ads by Free People and

Vogue), giving the public a false impression of an athletic dance body.

V. Discussion

The analysis of previous research coupled with this studys focus group interview has

introduced new ideas regarding the medias portrayal of dance and consequential body

dysmorphia of dancers. The media underrepresents dance as an art form and means of

entertainment. The number of television shows, movies and advertisements surrounding any

style of dance pale in comparison to those of sports teams or players. On the rare occasion that

dance is featured, it is portrayed inaccurately. Many times dancers are seen as drama queens

obsessing over hair, make-up and ridiculously bedazzled costumes. They are also depicted as

unnaturally thin with a high prevalence of eating disorders. Heiland, Murray and Edleys

research supports this assertion noting that a dancers thin is 15% below a healthy weight. These

misrepresentations diminish dance as an art form by lessening the humanness of each individual.

A recurring theme throughout the focus group interview was the dissatisfaction dancers

felt with their bodies. Many expressed guilt after eating excess carbs and sweets because it would

make their stomachs and legs thicker. Dancers ideal body includes long lean legs with thighs the

same size as calves, a flat stomach, narrow hips, no chest, a clearly defined collar bone and a

long neck, as listed in Sources of Disordered Eating Patterns between Ballet Dancers and Non-

dancers by M.H. Anshel. If not born with these physical attributes, this look is nearly

impossible to achieve without taking drastic measures, such as purging or starvation.

This dissatisfaction stems from content viewed in the media, along with scrutiny by

teachers, choreographers and peers. The media fails to show audiences the process by which

dancers prepare for a video or photo shoot. Hours of hair and make-up are done behind the
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 16

scenes that provide flawless complexions and perfectly blown hair. This unknowing leads

viewers to accept a high level of beauty as the norm. The activity presented in this research

proves firsthand the effects music video dancers can have on beauty perception. After watching

Arianna Grandes Side to Side video, dancers reported a higher level of insecurity surrounding

body image. Many believed they were not thin enough or had too much acne.

Self-comparison is common amongst dancers as they are constantly trying to improve

technique. Pushing oneself to achieve the strength or flexibility of a peer is generally an

unhealthy way of improvement, although it can lead to expedited success. Likewise, comparing

body type to those highlighted in the media can also lead to unhealthy improvement. In this

study, dancers changed attributes they originally loved about themselves to attributes they hated

and wished they could alter. For example, a couple participants loved the length of their legs

until they saw the even longer-legged dancers emphasized in the video. This type of self-

comparison can lead to body dysmorphia, leaving dancers to obsess over their perceived flaws.

With body dysmorphia comes a long list of health complications that can ultimately

cause distraction from ones art form. The prevalence of eating disorders and distorted thinking

is also represented in the media. Many movies like Black Swan, Dying to Dance and Center

Stage possess main characters that suffer from these chronic mental illnesses. Why? Because

according to the media, all dancers struggle with body image at some point in their career. This

statement was proven wrong throughout the focus group interview because two participants

noted their love for their thicker body type. Participant 1 believes that her body is not fat but

strong and she actively disregards those who think otherwise. Mental strength similar to this is

needed to succeed as a healthy dancer in society today.

MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 17

One professional who exemplifies mental strength is Misty Copeland. As the first African

American principal ballerina with the American Ballet Theater, Copeland has experienced years

of overcoming adversity not only regarding the color of her skin but her muscularity, as well.

She is breaking the mold, but I can pretty much guarantee that she did not set out to challenge

the ballet world on its weight standards; the daily struggle for her to succeed and maintain

positive self-confidence is a battle she probably would have preferred not to fight, Kelly of

Pointe Magazine stated. Despite company directors who told Copeland her breasts were too big,

legs too muscular and hips too wide, she persevered to a level only few can achieve.

Under Armor, an athletic apparel company, chose Copeland to lead its I Will What I

Want campaign. The companys choice in spokesperson launched only days after Copelands

promotion from soloist to principal. Her prestige and unconventional body type has earned her

more media attention than some professional athletes. In months following the campaign, Under

Armor experienced great support on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and

Instagram. Engagement sky rocketed in number of new followers and responses to multimedia

Evolution of the Dancers Ideal posts. Having an athletic apparel company, with
body
the popularity of Under Armor, pose ballet

dancers next to football and basketball players,

redefines public perception of dance. Heiland,

Murray and Edley report, There is a physical

1909 1967 2016 ideal in dance now, one of sleek, streamlined,

long-muscled power. Dancers and non-dancers alike are beginning to view dance as an athletic

art form. Although it will never be a sport by definition, the medias recent portrayal of dance

influences audiences to associate dancers with athletes.

MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 18

As the media works to redefine body image surrounding dance, so are directors of many

ballet companies. A shift in ideal physique has occurred with the implementation of Under

Armors I Will What I Want campaign. Many directors now look for an athletic body that can

withstand long rehearsal and performance days. Participants in this research expressed relief

when coming to this conclusion because a strong body is more manageably achievable than

Balanchines ultrathin ideal, as defined in the 1999 article by Gustafson, Popovich and Thomsen.

The media is heavily influential when predicting the future of dancers body image. A healthier

outlook is probable if dance is continuously portrayed with an athletic perspective.

VI. Conclusion

The current study supports previous research discussed in the literature review. The

media misrepresents dancers, portraying them as obsessive and unnaturally thin. This in turn

affects dancers physical and psychological well-being, implying mental instability as the norm.

Accepting the medias unrealistic level of beauty leads to eating disorders and body dysmorphia.

Therefore education regarding the process by which content is created before publication needs

implementation into professional dance companies worldwide. This may reduce impaired

perception of body image and increase dancers career longevity.

Dancers who actively cross-train and condition their bodies to peak performance

experience greater success in the hiring process. Dance athletes are actively setting the precedent

for the level of physicality required for strenuous rehearsals and long performance days. These

trailblazers have received ample media coverage in the past few years, influencing public

perception that dance is more than wearing tutus and pretty makeup. If and when the media

continues this portrayal, dancers should expect more accurate representation on television, in
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 19

movies and throughout magazines. With the reduction of misrepresentations, a healthier, more

manageable body image becomes attainable.

Limitations

If time allowed, more than one focus group would take place and perspectives from non-

dancers would be considered. Although the focus group consisted of nine dancers, all nine were

female and in college. This study would benefit from more diversity in gender, age and interests.
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 20

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MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 22

VII. Appendix

Focus Group Interview

October 30, 2016 at 7:00

Moderator: McKenna May

Attendees: Corinne Wilson (1), Brennan Kolbo (2), Allison Dyke (3), Charlotte (4), Audrey (5),
Annie Marx (6), Megan Boericke (7), Alyssa Vacca (8), Izzy Ganovsky (9)

Introduction
Explanation: Good evening, my name is McKenna May and I would like to thank you all for
coming tonight. A focus group is a relaxed discussion, so feel free to say whatever comes to
mind. There are no right or wrong answers.

Objective/Purpose
I am here today to talk about the medias portrayal of dancers in the media and how that can
influence dance and non-dancers perceptions of body image. The purpose is to understand your
views and thoughts about these related topics.

Ground Rules:
I am not here to share information or to give you my opinions. Your perceptions are what matter.
There are no right or wrong, desirable or undesirable answers. You can disagree with each other,
and you can change your mind. I would like you to feel comfortable saying what you really think
and how you really feel.

Procedure:
I will be taking down a few notes, but I will also be tape recording the discussion so I do not
miss anything you have to say. We will be touching on some personal topics, so everything is
confidential within this focus group and the information shared will only be used for my
research. No one will know who said what. I want this to be a group discussion, so feel free to
respond to me and other members in the group without being called on. However, I would
appreciate if only one person would talk at a time. The discussion will last approximately 30-45
minutes. There is a lot I want to discuss, so without further a due lets begin!

Lets begin by everyone sharing their name and favorite dance memory.

Interview

Warm-up questions:
Q1. How have you seen dancers portrayed in the media? (Film, television, ads, magazines, etc.)
Q2. What physical characteristics constitute your ideal body as a dancer?
Q4. What has influenced you to want these physical characteristics?

Detailed Questions
Section 1
Show clip #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI5wW4Z-rx8 (20:15-21:46)
MEDIA EFFECTS ON PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE May 23

Q5. What are your initial thoughts of this clip?

Q6. Do you think this was an accurate representation of what happens in dance companies?
Q7. IF NO, Do you think there is anything the filmmakers could have done to make this
scene more authentic?
Q7. IF YES, was there anything you felt was over-dramatized or blown out of
proportion?
Section 2
A1. You have fifteen seconds to write down everything you hate about your body.
A2. Now you have fifteen seconds to write down everything you love about your body.
Show clip #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXiSVQZLje8
A3. After seeing this video, you have fifteen seconds to make changes, add or subtract anything
from the list of things you hate about your body.
A4. And now starts your fifteen seconds to make any changes, add or subtract anything from the
list of things you love about your body.
Q8. Did anything change between your lists before and after the video clip was shown?
Q9. Why do you think these few things changed?
Q10. What was it in the video clip that influenced you to add or subtract characteristics from
either list?
Section 3
Q11.Weve seen dancers ideal body type change throughout dance history. Theyve gone from
plumper dancers until the invention of pointe shoes thinned them out a little bit. The rise of
Balanchine then introduced the ultrathin ballet dancer. How do you guys see the ideal dancer
body type shifting in the future?
Show clip #3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY0cdXr_1MA
Q12. Again, what are you initial thoughts?
Q13. Do you think Misty Copelands body type (more athletic) is becoming more mainstream?
Q14. Without Under Armors advertisement and I Will What I Want campaign, do you think this
shift from ultrathin to more a more athletic body type would have happened?

Conclusion Questions
Q15. After watching these 3 clips, listening to everyones answers to my questions and the
discussion at large, what effects do you think the media has on dancers perceptions of body
image?
Q16. Do you believe, generally speaking, the media portrays dancers in a healthy way?
Q17. In what ways can you see dance being represented in the media in the future?

Closure
At this time, if anyone has anything else to say regarding any of the topics we discussed today,
please feel free to share. Or if there is anything you think would be useful for me to know.

Thank you very much for coming tonight. Your time is much appreciated and your comments
have been very helpful.