Steps to Improve

It is sad and destructive to know that this is how most dancers views themselves:
This is a result of the constant pressure to improve one’s self image, which makes dancers go to drastic means to change their bodies to match those found in the media. Their job is to sell themselves, so they are being scrutinized by the people closest to them. No matter how great your craft is, there is always something about your image that needs improving. “I recently started auditioning for different agencies in L.A. and found out that putting yourself out there is a definite ego blow. I was told I was not fit enough, not exotic enough, too tall, too commercial, too anything and everything,” stated Brittany DeGroff.

There is a connection between how dancers’ perceive their bodies and craft and the constant criticism that is all around them. Choreographers, fellow dancers, and especially teachers should remain uplifting and supportive. It is not about how the dancer can improve their image, but instead how they can strengthen themselves and their dancing. So encourage instead of disparage.


Allowing for the fact that this article deals in particular with strippers, it still holds weight in helping you to understand the lengths taken to force dancer's to improve their bodies. The Movable Buffet