"It Feels Kind of Like a Feather": Perceptions of Well-Being Among Adolescent Ballet Dancers.

Introduction

Adolescent ballet dancers are considered a generally healthy population. Yet as they navigate their development within the dance environment, there is potential for challenges to their well-being. Aim: This qualitative study explored how adolescent ballet dancers perceive and experience well-being, and what supports or hinders it. In elevating the dancers' voices, this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences to inform the practices of clinicians and educators who protect and promote adolescent dancer well-being.

Methods

Eleven female dancers in middle adolescence, aged 14 to 17 years, from 2 dance studios in Ireland, participated in semi-structured interviews that were analyzed with Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Results

Participants defined well-being as an integration of emotional, physical, and mental health. Their insights revealed 4 core aspects of their lives that impact their well-being experience: External Supports, Personal Resolve, Motivation Towards, and Barriers. Participants described their perceptions of well-being through relational experiences, emotional states, and self-management. Teachers who showed care beyond technique and friends who offered camaraderie were seen as key supports. Mental strength was identified as an important personal aspect of well-being support. A strong emotional connection to dance and taking breaks from dance were perceived as motivational, while feelings of judgment were perceived as barriers.

Conclusion

Findings underscore what is known about biopsychosocial adolescent development and demonstrate the value of hearing more directly from adolescent dancers as to what underpins, strengthens, or detracts from their well-being. Participants' insights offer practical, developmentally-attuned implications for supportive clinical and educational environments. By bringing adolescent dancers' voices to the forefront, this study reinforces the need for inclusive, student-centered research, and well-being support.