Dancers and their bodies : an account of dancer's lived experience

Abstract

The aim of this study is to focus on the subjective view dancers have of their body weight and shape. Following Coliazzi's Phenomenological approach, six semi-structured interviews were conducted on three male and female dancers, who were recruited by means of snowballing. The study gives an account of dancers' lived experience with the aim of showing diverse understandings on body image and how awareness on body image is brought about. Results obtained show four common themes, which are experienced differently by dancers. The most significant aspect from the discussion is that although literature in the study emphasises negative body image, both negative and positive views of body image are brought to light from the dancers' different experiences.