Professional Ballet & Mental Health: Science-Based Insights

Ballet is known for beauty, discipline, and control… but what’s happening behind the scenes?

Today, we break down scientific research on mental health in professional ballet dancers. Discover the prevalence of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and sleep disturbances, and what these findings reveal about the pressures of elite performance environments.

Learn why sleep is critical for both mental health and performance, and how coping skills can protect dancers. We also discuss why stigma prevents dancers from seeking help, and what ballet companies can do to better support dancers.

Publication Discussed In This Episode:

• Junge, A., & Hauschild, A. (2025). Prevalence of Mental Health Problems and their Potential Association with Sleep Disturbance, Coping Skills and Social Support in Professional Ballet Dancers. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 29(2), 106-115.⁠ https://doi.org/10.1177/1089313X241277930