The Negative Effects of Competitive Dance: Why It’s Bad for Your Health and Wellbeing

Introduction

Competitive dance has become increasingly popular in recent years, with dancers competing at both local and international levels. Dancers often compete in teams or as individuals, with the goal of performing their best at competitions and winning awards. While this type of dance can be exciting and rewarding, it can also come with some serious risks to physical and mental health.

Physical Injuries

One of the biggest risks associated with competitive dance is physical injury. Overtraining and lack of proper technique can lead to muscle strain, tendinitis, and joint pain. According to a 2018 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, “[d]ance athletes may be more prone to overtraining and under-recovery due to the demands of the sport, leading to increased risk of musculoskeletal injury” (Chen et al., 2018). Furthermore, improper training can result in serious injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures. Therefore, it is important for dancers to receive proper instruction from qualified instructors and take regular breaks to avoid injury.

Mental Health

Competitive dance can also have a negative impact on mental health. The pressure to perform can lead to anxiety and stress, and many dancers find it difficult to cope with the demands of competition. According to a 2015 study by the International Journal of Psychology, “[e]xcessive stress associated with competitive dance can lead to psychological problems such as depression and eating disorders” (Ma et al., 2015). Therefore, it is important for dancers to take regular breaks, set realistic goals, and focus on having fun rather than winning awards.

Cost

Competitive dance can also be expensive. Costumes, travel expenses, and coaching fees can quickly add up, making it difficult for some families to keep up with the costs. According to a 2018 survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education, “[m]ore than half of parents (53%) said they had spent or planned to spend at least $1,000 on competitive dance activities for their child in the past 12 months” (National Endowment for Financial Education, 2018). Therefore, it is important for parents to budget carefully and make sure that their child is participating in a healthy and affordable program.

Unhealthy Habits

Competitive dance can also lead to unhealthy habits such as skipping meals and over-exercising. According to a 2016 study by the Journal of Eating Disorders, “[e]xcessive exercise among competitive dancers is common and can lead to disordered eating behaviors such as restriction, bingeing, and purging” (Rudolf et al., 2016). Therefore, it is important for dancers to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to avoid developing unhealthy habits.

Burnout

Finally, the demands of competing can lead to burnout. According to a 2017 study by the International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, “[c]ompetitive dancers are at risk of experiencing burnout due to the high demands placed on them by coaches, parents, and peers” (Saunders et al., 2017). Burnout can lead to physical exhaustion, emotional distress, and decreased motivation. Therefore, it is important for dancers to take regular breaks, get adequate rest, and focus on enjoying the process rather than just winning awards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, competitive dance can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. Dancers may be at risk of physical injury due to overtraining and lack of proper technique, and mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and eating disorders can arise due to the pressures of competition. Additionally, the costs associated with competitive dance can be expensive, leading to financial strain for some families. Finally, unhealthy habits such as skipping meals and over-exercising can develop due to the demands of competing. For these reasons, it is important for dancers to ensure that they are engaging in a healthy and safe program, and take regular breaks to avoid burnout.

Further research is needed to better understand the potential risks associated with competitive dance. Additionally, more resources should be available to help dancers and their families manage the costs of competition and ensure that they are engaging in a safe and healthy program.