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If you know the symptoms of eating disorders you will be able to
spot these illnesses at the early (and more treatable) stage. If you
are concerned that a student may be unwell broach the subject with her
parents.
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Never encourage students below the age of sixteen to attempt weight loss. It is dangerous and chances are they will grow into their weight
if they are allowed to mature as nature intended. If a student does
loose weight do not applaud or further encourage this.
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Arrange seminars or display information in dressing rooms and
bathrooms about nutrition and health. Emphasize the consequences of
low body fat percentages and weight.
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De-emphasize weight. If you believe you need to evaluate your
students' body composition learn how to take skin fold measurements as
these provide better indication of fat composition than weight does.
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Do not make personal comments about a student’s weight: if you feel
there is a problem, discuss it with her parents. Never discuss your
concern about a student’s weight in front of other students.
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Provide students with accurate information regarding body shapes
and nutrition so as to abate misinformation.
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Emphasize to your students that loosing weight is not the key to
improvement, but that practice and dedication is.
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Accept that not all students, regardless of how talented they are,
have the perfect body for ballet. Encourage these students in other
forms of dance.
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Find out about companies that place less emphasis on body shape and
consider referring your students to such companies or programs.
