IADMS: Healthy Bodies, Healthy Dancing: Talking About Food, Energy, Body Image and Self‑Esteem

by The Australian Ballet School|March 5, 2026

At the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) Day for Dance Teachers 2026, the Australian Ballet School presented new insights and practical frameworks for supporting young dancers’ physical and psychological wellbeing. In Healthy Bodies, Healthy Dancing, our multidisciplinary team explored how conversations around food, energy, training, identity, and self-esteem can evolve to meet the needs of today’s developing artists.

Presenters from The Australian Ballet School included:

Lyndelle Steer, Specialist Coach & Classical Ballet Teacher
Teagan Lowe, Health and Wellbeing Manager
Gabrielle Davidson, Lead Physiotherapist
Bradley Smith, Strength & Conditioning Lead, Physiotherapist

The session introduced the School’s Healthy Dancing framework - a collaborative approach that combines nutrition, recovery strategies, training load management, body image support, and self‑esteem development. Our team emphasised that these elements are deeply interconnected. A dancer’s emotional wellbeing shapes how they fuel and train their body.

The School works to create a studio culture where health and artistry reinforce each other, rather than compete.

Lead physiotherapist Gabby Davidson working with student of The Australian Ballet School. D. Ward

The team presented current insights into Relative Energy Deficiency in Dancers (RED‑d), highlighting how low energy intake affects strength, mood, concentration, growth, and overall health.

They also discussed how studio culture can shape a dancer’s emerging identity and shared strategies such as open dialogue about body changes, valuing dancers beyond achievement, and creating psychologically safe learning spaces. These practices help young dancers feel emotionally supported as well as physically prepared.

By sharing this work at IADMS, the Australian Ballet School reinforces a simple message: when we prioritise both physical and mental health, dancers have the freedom to grow, excel, and enjoy long, sustainable careers.